Who must wear a helmet in Pennsylvania, the penalties for not wearing one, and the eye-protection rules every rider should know.
Pennsylvania has a partial motorcycle helmet law (75 Pa.C.S. 3525). A DOT-approved helmet is required for every operator and passenger under 21. A rider 21 or older may ride without a helmet only if they have at least two full years of motorcycle riding experience or have completed a PennDOT- or Motorcycle Safety Foundation-approved safety course.
Regardless of age or experience, every motorcycle learner's-permit holder must wear a helmet (PUB 147 p.39). The operator or occupant of a three-wheeled motorcycle with an enclosed cab is exempt.
Required: all operators and passengers under 21; all learner's-permit holders at any age; and riders 21 or older who lack two years of experience and have not taken an approved safety course.
Not required: a rider 21 or older who has two full years of motorcycle experience or an approved safety course may legally ride without a helmet.
Riding without a required helmet - or carrying a passenger who is required to wear one and is not - violates Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code and can bring a fine and other penalties. Because permit holders and under-21 riders are never exempt, an operator can be cited for an unhelmeted passenger who is required to wear one. Confirm current fine amounts with PennDOT.
Separate from the helmet rule, Pennsylvania law requires the operator of a motorcycle to wear an approved eye-protective device, and all learner's-permit holders must wear eye protection (PUB 147 p.39). Three-wheeled motorcycles with an enclosed cab are excepted.
The manual notes that a windshield is not a substitute for a faceshield or goggles - most windshields will not protect your eyes from wind - and that tinted eye protection should not be worn at night (PUB 147 p.4).
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: Some test details are confirmed by the state agency; the rest reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources. 20 questions confirmed on the official PennDOT page; 16 of 20 (80%) to pass per all third-party sources. The motorcycle privilege is a Class M license, and all permit holders must wear a helmet and eye protection regardless of age.