It’s no secret that motorcycles can be dangerous. That’s why most states require riders to wear motorcycle helmets. A helmet is meant to protect you from sustaining a serious head injury. However, Illinois does not require motorcycle riders to wear protective motorcycle helmets. In fact, this also pertains to mopeds, scooters, and other types of low-powered cycles.
What do Illinois motorcycle laws require?
While Illinois motorcycle laws do not require helmets, motorcycle riders must have:
- Eye protection, unless your motorcycle has a windscreen; and
- A passenger seat and footrest for any passengers.
If you do choose to wear a motorcycle helmet, there are no restrictions on the use of interior helmet speakers. If you have questions regarding helmet use and how they relate to Illinois motorcycle accidents, you can get the professional advice of a Chicago personal injury lawyer.
Motorcycle Requirements
Although Illinois helmet laws may seem lax, the state has certain requirements when it comes to motorcycles. For instance, the handlebars must not be above shoulder height, and you must have a rear view mirror on one side of the bike. A muffler is also required to modify the noise. There are no restrictions, however, on radar detectors, nor is there an annual safety inspection. In Illinois, you are not even required to use a turn signal when making a turn.
Off-Road Biking in Illinois
Illinois helmet law places few restrictions on off-road motorcycling. Neither helmets nor eye-protection are required, nor does the state require headlights or taillights. There is also no limit on noise, so you don’t need to have a muffler.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Illinois and are wondering if the state’s helmet laws will become a factor in your injury claim, contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer.
If you ride a motorcycle in Illinois, the state laws DO NOT require you to wear a motorcycle helmet. In fact, you can operate a motorcycle, a scooter, and almost any other type of motor-powered cycle without wearing a helmet.
You must, however, wear protective eye gear, unless your motorcycle has its own windshield. But you DO NOT need protective headgear to ride on the highways of Illinois.If you do wear a helmet, there are no restrictions against having internal speakers.The most obvious argument for wearing a motorcycle helmet regardless of state law is that by not wearing a helmet, you can be seriously injured or killed in the event of an Illinois motorcycle crash.
Additionally, if you are injured and want to claim damages in a personal injury lawsuit, your neglect to wear a helmet may be seen as an act of your own negligence.Under these circumstances, if you do receive a settlement, the total amount may be reduced by the percentage of your own negligence. In other words, if your settlement is $100,000, but you are found 60% negligent for not wearing a helmet, then you will only receive $40,000 in personal injury damages.To find out what you might be entitled to in your personal injury claim, you can get the advice of a Chicago personal injury attorney.If you ride a motorcycle in Illinois, visit our article on Illinois helmet laws.
Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer
You should be able to recover from your loss without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your loss or injury, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois wrongful death or injury claim alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080
