In West Virginia, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a helmet that is securely fastened to the head by either a neck or chin strap. The helmet must be designed to deflect blows and resist penetration and spread impact forces. The law requires helmets to meet current performance specifications established by federal law, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z 90.1 or Snell Safety Standards (Snell) for Protective Headgear for Vehicle Users.
- Learn more about the Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell).
- To learn more about the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
In addition, all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear safety, shatter-resistant eyeglasses, eye goggles, or a face shield that complies with ANSI Standard Z2.1. If a motorcycle is equipped with a windshield or a windscreen, it must comply with the performance specifications established by the Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 and ANSI Safety Glazing Materials for Glazing Motor Vehicles on Land Highways, Standard Z26.1.
Road
Safety Helmet:
Required by law-reflectorization required
State Funded Rider Ed:
Available for all eligible applicants
Eye Protection:
Required by law
Daytime Use of Headlight:
Required by law
Passenger Seat:
Required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Footrest:
Required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Age Restriction:
None
Helmet Speakers:
No Restrictions
Periodic Safety Inspection:
Required by law
Mirror Left(L) Right(R):
One required by law
Radar Detector:
No Restriction
Turn Signals:
Required by law
Muffler:
No acoustical criteria
Maximum Sound Level:
No acoustical criteria
State Insurance Requirements:
Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(20/40/10)
Handlebar Height:
Maximum of 15″ above seat
Rider-Education Waiver:
Skill & Knowledge Test
Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States:
Yes
Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane:
Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes
Lane Splitting:
Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes
Lemon Law Coverage:
No; West Virginia (WV) Code – CHAPTER 46A, ARTICLE 6A
Off Road
Safety Helmet
Required under the age of 18
Eye Protection
Not Required
Minimum Operator Age
No Restriction
Rider Education Certification
Required under age 18
Operator License
Not Required
Headlight
Required after sunset
Taillight
Required after sunset
Muffler
Required by law
Maximum Sound Level
No Limit
Spark Arrestor
Required by law
Registration
Not Required
Vehicle Title
Required by law
Trails Program
Not Available
