LINCOLN- Sen. Ben Hansens LB138, a bill that removes the helmet requirement for motorcyclists, advanced thanks to a 41-0 vote. The helmet amendment to LB138 would allow any motorcyclist or passenger over age 21 who has completed a basic certification course by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to ride without a helmet, starting on Jan. 1, 2024.

Riders from other states could also ride without a helmet in Nebraska if they have taken an equivalent course and carry proof of completion. The bill would require riders and passengers to wear protective glasses or have a windshield on their bikes. The amendment would make helmet law violations secondary offenses, meaning that law enforcement could only ticket riders for helmet violations if they are stopped for some other traffic offense.

The change has been introduced multiple times and has failed each time. The bill would add Nebraska to the list of states that have eliminated or relaxed laws requiring anyone riding a motorcycle to wear a helmet. The Nebraska law has been in place since 1989. It is believed that the state is missing out on major tourism dollars during the motorcycle season as people travel around the state to avoid the helmet requirement.

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