ArticlesAlabama has a universal motorcycle helmet law. This means all riders and passengers must wear a helmet at all times, no matter their age or experience. If you ride in Birmingham or anywhere in Alabama, wearing a helmet is required by law.
The Alabama helmet law also outlines what qualifies as a state-approved motorcycle helmet, including:
- A hard exterior shell
- A supportive cradle
- Adequate padding
- A secure chin strap
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), good helmets save many lives each year. They also lower the severity of head and brain injuries.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, a Birmingham motorcycle accident lawyer at Fob James Law Firm can help. They will protect your rights and guide you through the claim process.
Other Important Alabama Motorcycle Laws Riders Must Follow
In addition to the helmet law, Alabama has more motorcycle safety rules. These laws aim to protect riders and others on the road. Key regulations include:
- Riders must have a Class M endorsement to legally operate a motorcycle.
- Individuals must be 16 or older to obtain a Class M endorsement.
- Lane splitting is illegal—riders cannot travel between lanes or between rows of vehicles.
- Riders must sit on the regular, permanent seat and may not carry passengers unless the bike is designed for two and has passenger footpegs.
- Motorcycle riders must wear shoes at all times.
- Riders cannot ride more than two abreast in a single lane.
- Motorcyclists cannot pass a vehicle within the same lane as the one they are overtaking.
- Riders may not carry any object (such as a package or bag) that prevents them from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
Motorcyclists must also obey the same traffic laws as all other motorists. Failure to do so increases the risk of a severe or fatal crash.
Penalties for Not Wearing a Helmet in Alabama
Being stopped by an officer without a helmet can result in a traffic citation and fines.
More importantly, failing to wear a helmet significantly increases your risk of:
- Severe traumatic brain injury
- Permanent disability
- Fatal injuries
Not wearing a helmet can also impact your injury claim, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Can I Recover Damages If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet in Alabama?
Yes—you can still pursue a motorcycle injury claim in Alabama even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, but your case may be more complex. Insurance companies often use lack of helmet use to argue that your injuries were partially your fault.
However, an experienced Birmingham motorcycle accident lawyer can:
- Prove the crash was caused by the other driver’s negligence
- Show that certain injuries were unrelated to helmet use
- Fight attempts by insurers to deny or undervalue your claim
- Gather medical and accident reconstruction evidence to support your case
Whether you wear a helmet or not, you still have rights. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
If you were injured while riding, speak with a Birmingham motorcycle injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama
Motorcycle accidents in Birmingham and surrounding areas occur for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Tailgating
- Lane splitting
- Drivers opening car doors into the motorcycle’s path
- Speeding
- Failure to notice or yield to a motorcycle
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted or texting drivers
- Sudden stops
- Poor weather conditions
- Road hazards or debris
Motorcycle riders regularly suffer severe or catastrophic injuries, especially when another driver is negligent. Helmet use often reduces the severity of head injuries—and in some cases, could prevent them entirely.
Despite common stereotypes, motorcyclists are not always at fault. Many accidents occur because drivers fail to look for motorcycles or underestimate their speed and distance.
Wearing the proper safety gear, completing motorcycle training, and practicing defensive riding can reduce risks, but all motorists share responsibility for preventing motorcycle collisions.
An experienced car accident lawyer in Birmingham, AL can look at your situation and help you plan your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Do motorcycle riders have to wear a helmet in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama has a universal motorcycle helmet law. This law requires all riders and passengers to wear an approved helmet, no matter their age.
What qualifies as an approved helmet in Alabama?
A legal motorcycle helmet must have:
- A hard exterior shell
- An impact-absorbing liner
- Interior padding
- A secure chin strap
Novelty helmets do not meet Alabama’s requirements.
Can I get a ticket for not wearing a motorcycle helmet?
Yes. Riding without a helmet can result in a citation and fines. If you’re involved in a crash, not wearing a helmet also increases your injury risk.
Is lane splitting legal in Alabama?
No. Lane splitting—riding between lanes or between rows of cars—is prohibited in Alabama.
Do motorcycle passengers in Alabama have to wear helmets too?
Yes. Passengers must wear a legal helmet, even on short trips or at low speeds.
What happens if I’m injured in a crash while not wearing a helmet?
You can still file a claim, but the insurance company may try to blame your injuries on the lack of helmet use. A Birmingham motorcycle lawyer can help protect your right to compensation.
What is the minimum age for operating a motorcycle in Alabama?
Riders must be 16 or older to obtain a Class M motorcycle endorsement.
Should I still call a lawyer if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Alabama’s personal injury laws are complicated. A local attorney can help you understand how fault is judged. They can also see if you still qualify for compensation.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Our Alabama Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you should not try to handle the claim alone. Insurance companies often attempt to undervalue motorcycle cases or shift blame onto the rider.
The Birmingham motorcycle accident attorneys at Fob James Law Firm have decades of experience representing injured riders throughout Alabama. We know how to investigate motorcycle collisions, gather evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact our office today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a top-rated personal injury attorney.
Fob James, IV
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large national firm for several years, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society. Many of Fob’s cases are high profile and have been featured in, among others: Bloomberg News, PlanAdvisor, AL.com, PlanSponsor, InsuranceJournal, and BusinessInsider. For his work in obtaining numerous multi-million dollar outcomes for his clients, Fob has been recognized by: National Trial Lawyers Top 100, SuperLawyers Rising Star (2020-2025), Birmingham Business Journal Who’s Who in Law (2023-2025), and TrustAnalytica – Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Alabama.