HB294 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jamie KielRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Motorcycles, use of helmet, exception to use requirement provided, Sec. 32-5A-245 am'd.

Summary

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to ride a motorcycle without a helmet if they have at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage for motorcycle crash injuries.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the helmet rule is relaxed for 21+ riders with qualifying insurance, allowing them to ride without a headgear as long as it is securely fastened. The helmet and shoe requirements remain in place for all other riders. The bill also sets up an approval process for helmet standards, keeps juveniles subject to helmet and shoe rules, and prohibits selling helmets that don’t meet standards; it specifies an effective date after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Riders age 21 or older who have a health insurance policy with at least $10,000 in medical benefits; they would be allowed to operate or ride without wearing protective headgear.
• All other motorcycle riders (including those under 21 or those 21+ without qualifying insurance) and guardians of juveniles; they would still need to wear protective headgear and shoes, and wearers must comply with helmet standards.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-5A-245 to allow 21+ riders with $10,000+ medical benefits coverage to operate without protective headgear.
• Maintains requirement to wear shoes for motorcyclists.
• Exempts riding within an enclosed cab from the headgear requirement.
• Gives the Director of Public Safety and ALEA authority to approve/disapprove helmet standards and publish approved lists.
• Prohibits juveniles from riding without a protective helmet or without wearing shoes; prohibits sale of noncompliant helmets.
• Sets the act to take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles