Title 28. Transportation Chapter 6. Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways. Article 16. Equipment. Section 28-964. Motorcycles; motor driven cycles; equipment; exception; prohibition:

"A. An operator or passenger of a motorcycle or motor driven cycle who is under eighteen years of age shall wear at all times a protective helmet on the operator's or passenger's head in an appropriate manner that is safely secured while operating or riding on the motorcycle or motor driven cycle. . . ."

STANDARDS:

We are currently researching the Arizona regulations to determine exactly what standard they have adopted to define "protective headgear". Apparently the "director" approves their so-called safety equipment.

COURT DECISIONS:

"There is valid state interest in requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets while driving, and therefore provision of this section prohibiting driving of motorcycle without helmet is valid constitutional extension of state's police power." State v. Beeman (App. 1975) 25 Ariz.App. 83, 541 P.2d 409.

"Primary purpose of provision of this section requiring wearing of protective headgear while operating a motorcycle is to prevent injury to motorcyclists from cranial trauma." (therefore) "In light of highway dangers, provision of this section requiring wearing of protective headgear while operating a motorcycle is constitutional exercise of police power in area of highway safety." State v. Also (App. 1969) 11 Ariz.App. 227, 463 P.2d 122.

RELATED LINKS:

• Arizona Homepage
• State Legislature
• Arizona DMV