Who must wear a helmet in North Dakota, the penalties for not wearing one, and the eye-protection rules every rider should know.
North Dakota has a partial (age-based) motorcycle helmet law. Operators and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a safety helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation standards (ND manual p.i).
Riders 18 and older are not required by state law to wear a helmet. However, if the operator is required to wear a helmet - that is, if the operator is under 18 - then any passenger, regardless of age, must also wear one (ND manual p.i).
Every operator under 18 and every passenger under 18 must wear a DOT-standard helmet. The same rule applies to motorized-bicycle operators under 18 (ND manual p.i, iii).
A rider 18 or older may legally ride without a helmet, but the manual still calls a securely fastened, quality helmet the single most important thing you can do to improve your chances of surviving a crash - helmeted riders are three times more likely to survive head injuries (ND manual p.1).
Operating a motorcycle without the required helmet violates North Dakota law and can bring a fine and points on your record; because the rule also covers passengers, an operator can be held responsible for an unhelmeted under-18 passenger. Separately, operating a motorcycle without the required Class M permit or license results in a $20 fine and a four-point assessment. Confirm current fine amounts with NDDOT.
North Dakota law does not separately require motorcycle eye or face protection, but the manual strongly recommends it. A plastic impact-resistant face shield can protect your whole face, while goggles protect only your eyes (ND manual p.2).
A windshield is not a substitute for a face shield or goggles - most windshields will not protect your eyes from the wind, and neither will ordinary eyeglasses. Effective eye protection is scratch-free, penetration-resistant, gives a clear side view, fastens securely, and should not be tinted when little light is available (ND manual p.2).
A legal motorcycle helmet must meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS 218 standard. Look for the "DOT" certification label on the back. Helmets that meet stricter Snell or ECE standards offer additional protection. Avoid novelty helmets — they are not legal head protection.
Source: Test details reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the state agency before your visit. 25 questions / 80% is a strong multi-site consensus; NDDOT does not publish an official count. The 2025-2027 manual teaches a THREE-second following distance (4+ in poor conditions) and a front brake supplying about 70% of stopping power. Partial helmet law (under 18). DUI 0.08% adult / 0.02% under 21.