Are helmets required in Michigan?

[bosshoff]

Hello. I am new to the SXS world. In Michigan, are helmets required for drivers and passengers? Are helmets required for kids under 16, etc. I know they are a good idea, I just want to know if they are legally required. Thanks.

 

[Admin]

 

[Remington]

Hello. I am new to the SXS world. In Michigan, are helmets required for drivers and passengers? Are helmets required for kids under 16, etc. I know they are a good idea, I just want to know if they are legally required. Thanks.

Not on a side by side but on a four-wheeler it is.

 

[bosshoff]

I think they make a distinction that if the side by side has a roof and seat belts, you don't have to have a helmet and goggles. Thanks Remington.

 

[trigger]

It's actually roll cage and seat belts, with those... no helmet required.

 

[906UP]

Keep in mind if you don't have a windshield eye protection is required.....goggles, glasses, etc

 

[Scoop]

It's actually roll cage and seat belts, with those... no helmet required.

Being new to this and preparing to ride ORV routes in MI, I was reading the 2021 Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws and Riding Basics. It stated that "All ORV operators and passengers must wear a US Department of Transportation-approved crash helmet and protective eyewear, except when:" ... and the first exception was "The operator and passengers are wearing properly adjusted and fastened safety belts in an ORV equipped with a roof that meets or exceeds the standards for a crash helmet."

So does a roll cage meet this requirement even if it doesn't have a roof?

 

[trigger]

I would think so. A roll cage is better protection than our plastic roofs. A lot of these rules are up to interpretation. If the LEO wants to be an a**hole he'll find something to hit you with. I've actually been pulled over twice, both times in the St Helen area. Once for not coming to a complete stop at a four way on the trail. Once for going too fast on the road. I had just taken off that Silent Rider at the trail head and burning out the carbon. I think both times they were looking for open alcohol and let me go with warnings.
On a side note, he ran my stickers and I heard the reply from dispatch over the radio. They knew everything about me.

 

[Scoop]

I would think so. A roll cage is better protection than our plastic roofs.

Thanks. That's for sure. I just couldn't figure out why the handbook says "roof" when it should say roll cage. How the heck are you gonna have a "roof" without something to hold it up?

A lot of these rules are up to interpretation. If the LEO wants to be an a**hole he'll find something to hit you with. I've actually been pulled over twice, both times in the St Helen area. Once for not coming to a complete stop at a four way on the trail. Once for going too fast on the road. I had just taken off that Silent Rider at the trail head and burning out the carbon. I think both times they were looking for open alcohol and let me go with warnings.
On a side note, he ran my stickers and I heard the reply from dispatch over the radio. They knew everything about me.

I could tell you a thing or two about that ...

 

[Remington]

Thanks. That's for sure. I just couldn't figure out why the handbook says "roof" when it should say roll cage. How the heck are you gonna have a "roof" without something to hold it up?


I could tell you a thing or two about that ...

The technical name for the Honda roll cage is ROPS. Its labeled on machine.

 

[toddvdh]

A roll cage doesn't work very good without a roof in the sand. The roll bars will sink into the sand and you could still get crushed.

I'm not sure what the law means reading it above, but if you ride in sand I would recommend a roof.

 

[Scoop]

The technical name for the Honda roll cage is ROPS. Its labeled on machine.

Yes, I learned that when I first seriously considered my first SXS ... 😎

 

[Scoop]

A roll cage doesn't work very good without a roof in the sand. The roll bars will sink into the sand and you could still get crushed.

I'm not sure what the law means reading it above, but if you ride in sand I would recommend a roof.

The gooberment is responsible for the wording, so I'm not surprised.