House Bill No. 317 proposes significant changes to the helmet requirements for motorcycle operators and riders in Louisiana. The bill amends R.S. 32:190(A) to remove the existing mandate that all motorcycle operators and riders wear safety helmets. Instead, the new law stipulates that the helmet requirement will only apply to individuals under the age of 21 and to those aged 21 and older who have not completed a motorcycle safety course or do not have proof of hospitalization coverage on their insurance. Additionally, individuals aged 21 and over who choose not to wear a helmet must obtain a motor vehicle insurance policy with a minimum of $100,000 in medical payments coverage for bodily injury or death in any one accident and must provide proof of this coverage to law enforcement upon request.

Furthermore, the bill includes a provision that prohibits any operator or passenger of a motorcycle who opts not to wear a helmet from recovering damages for head injuries sustained in an accident. It also clarifies that enforcing the helmet provisions cannot be the primary reason for law enforcement to conduct a traffic stop on motorcycle operators. Overall, the bill aims to balance personal freedom with safety considerations while establishing specific insurance requirements for those who choose not to wear helmets.

Statutes affected:
HB317 Original: 32:190(A)
HB317 Engrossed: 32:190(A)
HB317 Reengrossed: 32:190(A)