Arizona Motorcyclists Could Be Affected By New Bill

With the Arizona House of Representatives proposal of HB 2246, a monumental chance involving safety could impact motorcyclists in the state.

The bill’s working title “motorcycle riders; helmets; fees” proposes that all motorcyclists and passengers operating an “all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle” must wear a helmet at all times while operating the vehicle.

“An operator of a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle shall wear at all times protective glasses, goggles or a transparent face shield of a type approved by the director unless the motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle is equipped with a protective windshield,” the proposed bill states.


For those not interested in wearing a helmet, a fee can be paid during motorcycle registration to become exempt from the bill’s impact.

While the amount of the fee is to be determined, those that pay the fee will be free from wearing a helmet, both driver and passenger.

The bill also outlines that motorcyclists not wearing helmets cannot be pulled over by law enforcement unless they are violating another law. In that event, the driver can receive a $500 fine.

As outlined in the proposed bill, any funds collected through the previously mentioned fee will go towards the highway user revenue fund.

Money gathered from citations would be split between the Arizona Highway User Revenue fund ($200) and the Spinal and Head Injuries Trust Fund ($300).

HB2246 was proposed by Arizona democratic representatives Randall Friese, Andres Cano, Rosanna Gabaldon, Alma Hernandez, and Pamela Powers Hannley.

It is currently unclear if and when the bill would pass.