Chris Hammons | August 2, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle safety is a serious issue on Oklahoma roads. If you’re riding through Oklahoma City or anywhere else in the state, you need to know what safety gear motorcyclists are required to wear in Oklahoma. Understanding the state’s motorcycle laws can help you avoid fines, reduce injury risk, and protect your rights if you’re involved in a crash. Continue reading to learn more.
Is a Helmet Required in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma law requires only some riders to wear helmets. However, according to current regulations, anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when operating or riding a motorcycle. The helmet must meet DOT (Department of Transportation) safety standards.
Riders 18 and older are not legally required to wear a helmet. However, wearing one can drastically reduce your risk of brain injuries and strengthen your legal position if you’re hurt in an accident.
Is Eye Protection Required?
Yes. Oklahoma requires all riders to wear eye protection, regardless of age or helmet use, unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen of sufficient height.
Eye protection can include:
- Goggles
- Face shields
- Safety glasses
- A full-face helmet with a visor
Eye protection is vital for shielding your eyes from wind, debris, bugs, and rain while riding at high speeds.
Does Your Gear Affect Injury Claims?
Yes. If you’re injured in a motorcycle crash, your choice of safety gear could affect your ability to recover compensation. Oklahoma uses a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
For example, if you were not wearing legally required safety gear, the insurance company or the other party may argue that your injuries were partly your fault. This could reduce or even eliminate your payout.
What Other Safety Equipment Should Riders Consider?
In addition to legally required gear, the following items are strongly recommended for motorcyclists in Oklahoma:
- Protective jackets: Designed with abrasion-resistant materials like Kevlar or leather
- Riding pants: Reinforced to reduce injury in a fall or skid
- Motorcycle gloves: Protect hands and wrists during impact
- Ankle boots: Support your feet and ankles in a crash
Wearing full protective gear can help prevent serious injuries and make your insurance or legal claim easier to prove.
Are There Rules for Motorcycle Passengers?
Yes. Oklahoma law requires that passengers must have a designated seat and footrests. They are also subject to the same helmet laws: if they are under 18, they must wear a helmet. Passengers should also wear eye protection, and ideally, the same level of protective gear as the driver.
Can You Be Pulled Over for Not Wearing the Right Gear?
Absolutely. Law enforcement officers in Oklahoma can stop and ticket you for failing to follow motorcycle safety laws.
This includes:
- Not wearing a helmet (if under 18)
- Not wearing eye protection (without a proper windscreen)
- Carrying a passenger without proper footrests or safety equipment
Tickets can lead to fines, points on your license, and complications if you’re later involved in a crash.
Safety Gear Is Required for Motorcyclists in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, helmets are mandatory for riders under 18, and eye protection is required for everyone. Choosing to wear additional gear like gloves, jackets, and reinforced pants can protect your body and your legal rights.
Even if certain equipment is not required, it is still a good idea to wear protective gear to protect yourself in the unfortunate event of an accident. Following these laws and recommendations helps you stay safer and puts you in a better position if you’re ever injured in a motorcycle accident.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Laird Hammons Laird Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
For more information, please contact an experienced lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.
We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:
Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 703-4567