Who must wear a helmet in Ohio, the penalties for not wearing one, and the eye-protection rules every rider should know.
Ohio has a partial motorcycle helmet law. A DOT-compliant helmet is required for any operator under 18, anyone riding on a temporary permit (TIPIC), any rider during their first year of licensure (a novice), and the passengers of those operators (p.i; Ohio Revised Code 4511.53).
Riders who are 18 or older and have held a motorcycle license or endorsement for more than one year may legally ride without a helmet — though the manual strongly recommends always wearing one.
You must wear a helmet if you are under 18, if you hold a temporary instruction permit, or if you are in your first year of being licensed or endorsed for motorcycles.
Any passenger of a permit holder or a first-year rider must also wear a helmet. A helmet and eye protection are required of everyone during the on-cycle skills test.
Operating a motorcycle without a required helmet, or carrying an unhelmeted passenger when one is required, is a violation of Ohio law and can bring a fine and other penalties. Because the rule also covers the passengers of permit holders and novice riders, an operator can be cited for an unhelmeted passenger. Confirm current fine amounts with the Ohio BMV.
Separate from the helmet rule, Ohio law requires a motorcycle operator to wear safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield (Ohio Revised Code 4511.53). Permit (TIPIC) holders must always use eye protection.
A windshield is not a substitute for a face shield or goggles while riding on a permit — most windshields will not protect your eyes from the wind. A face shield protects your whole face; goggles protect only your eyes; and tinted eye protection should never be worn when little light is available (p.3).
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 are confirmed on the official agency page. Confirmed on the official page: 40 multiple-choice questions, 75 percent correct to pass.