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Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland Senate Bill 195 Creates Helmet Requirement Exception for Experienced Adult Motorcyclists and Their Passengers
Last action · January 14, 2026: First Reading Judicial ProceedingsSponsor: Mike McKay
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What This Bill Would Do
Maryland Senate Bill 195 creates an exception to the mandatory motorcycle helmet law for individuals at least 21 years old who have held a motorcycle license for at least two years or have completed an approved safety course, as well as for their passengers, effective October 1, 2026.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Motorcycle operators
Motorcycle passengers
Key Facts
- Individuals at least 21 years old are exempt from the mandatory motorcycle helmet requirement if they have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least 2 years.
- Adults at least 21 years old are exempt if they have completed an approved motorcycle rider safety course recognized by the Administrator or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
- Passengers riding on a motorcycle operated by an exempt individual are also exempt from wearing protective headgear.
- The failure to wear protective headgear cannot be considered evidence of negligence or contributory negligence, nor can it limit party or insurer liability.
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- Parties, witnesses, and counsel are prohibited from referencing protective headgear during civil trials unless the dispute relates to the design, manufacture, supplying, or repair of the gear.
- The Act takes effect on October 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the motorcycle helmet exemption under Senate Bill 195?
Does the bill affect civil liability or trials if a helmet is not worn?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.
Procedural history
3 actions- Jan 14, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Judicial Proceedings
- Jan 13, 2026SenateHearing 1/28 at 11:00 a.m.
- Sep 30, 2025SenateIntroducedPre-filed
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz40Current news / social attention level
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