Do Cyclist Have to Wear Helmets?

Summary: There is no federal law in the U.S. requiring bicycle helmets. The states and localities below began adopting laws in 1987. Most are limited to children under 18, but there are 49 all-ages laws, broken out on our all-ages page.

Is it illegal for a cyclist to not wear a helmet?

There's no law which compels cyclists of any age to wear a helmet. However, it's obviously dangerous to cycle without one, and the Highway Code suggests all cyclists wear a safe and well-fitting helmet regardless of what the laws says.

Is it mandatory to wear helmet for bicycle?

California: State law requires all riders under 18 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. In addition to bicycles, all youth under 18 are also required to wear a helmet when on scooters, skateboards, and inline skates. Here's a good overview of the California Bicycle Helmet Law including information on fines.