A passenger on a motorcycle must wear a helmet if...

The requirement that a passenger on a motorcycle must wear a helmet if they are under the age of 18 is grounded in safety regulations designed to protect younger, more vulnerable riders. Helmets are known to significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident, and because younger individuals may not have the same level of experience or decision-making capabilities as adults, they are at a higher risk. By mandating helmet use for those under 18, the law aims to enhance their safety while riding.

This age-based helmet law is a common practice in many states to ensure that minors are adequately protected. In contrast, factors such as whether the passenger is riding with a licensed driver, on a long-distance trip, or has previous motorcycle experience do not universally impact the helmet requirement legally. The focus on age recognizes the particular vulnerabilities of younger riders regardless of their riding context or experience.