Connecticut Motorcycle Helmet Laws
In Connecticut, no one under 18 is permitted to operate or ride on a motorcycle
without wearing a helmet.
LIMITED:
HELMETS REQUIRED FOR ALL RIDERS UP TO AGE 18
HELMETS REQUIRED FOR NOVICES OR PERMIT HOLDERS
STATUTE:
Title 14. Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Section 14-249. Protective
headgear for motorcyclists and passengers under eighteen years old.
"(a) On and after January 1, 1990, no person under eighteen years of age may operate
a motorcycle, as defined in section 14-1, and no person under the age of eighteen
may be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless such person is wearing protective headgear
of a type which conforms to the minimum specifications established by regulations
adopted under subsection (b) of this section. (See "Standards" below.)
(c) . . . Any operator or passenger of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle who is
under eighteen years of age shall at all times, while operating or riding on such
motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, wear a protective helmet on his head in an appropriate
manner safely secured."
FINE:
Title 14. Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Section 14-249. Protective
headgear for motorcyclists and passengers . . ..
"(c) Any person subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section (see
above) who fails to wear protective headgear which conforms to the minimum specifications
established by such regulations shall have committed an infraction and shall be
fined not less than ninety dollars."
STANDARDS:
Title 14. Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Section 14-249. Protective
headgear for motorcyclists and passengers under eighteen years old.
"(b) The commissioner of motor vehicles shall adopt regulations in accordance with
the provisions of chapter 54 and the provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations
Title 49, Section 571.218, as amended, establishing specifications for protective
headgear for use by operators and passengers of motorcycles."
MISCELLANEOUS MOTORCYCLE LAWS
State Funded Rider Education
Available for all eligible applicants.
Required under age 18.
May waive skills test for successful completion of rider ed.
Eye Protection
Required by law unless equipped with windscreen.
Daytime Use Of Headlight
Required by law for vehicles manufactured during or after 1980.
Modulating headlight permitted
Passenger Seat
Required if carrying a passenger.
Passenger Footrests
Required if carrying a passenger.
Mirror
Required by law.
Periodic Safety Inspection
Random inspections, required by law.
DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF CLOTHING OR CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS ILLEGAL
The Connecticut Statute prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations is Section
46a-64 of the Connecticut General Statutes Annotated which states, in pertinent
part "[i]t shall be a discriminatory practice in violation of this Section to deny
any person within the jurisdiction of this State full and equal accommodations in
anyplace of public accommodation, resort or amusement because of race, creed, color,
national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, mental retardation, mental
disability or physical disability..." Any person whose exercise or enjoyment of
rights secured by the Constitution of the laws of the United States has been interfered
with, or attempted to be interfered with may bring a complaint to the Connecticut
State Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities. The United States Supreme Court
ruled in the case of Cohen a California, 403 US 15 (1971) that individuals have
the constitutional right under the First Amendment to wear clothing which displays
writing or designs. In addition, the right of an individual to freedom of association
has long been recognized and protected by the United States Supreme Court Thus,
a person's right to wear the clothing of his choice, as well as his right to belong
to any club or organization of his choice is constitutionally protected, and persons
or establishments who discriminate on the basis of clothing or club membership are
subject to lawsuit.
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