Oregon Helmet Laws

In Oregon, it is the law that youth 15 and under must wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bicycle. The penalty for not wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle is $25.

NEW LAW: Effective January 1, 2004, Oregon law will require youth 15 years of age and younger to wear safety helmets when riding on skateboards, scooters, and in-line skates in public places. Public places include but are not limited to streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and skate parks. Failure to wear protective headgear is a traffic violation, which carries a fine of $25 for each offense. Wear your helmets!

Download a Helmets Rule! flyer on the new Oregon helmet law.

Download

Why Wear a Helmet?

Head injuries are the number one cause of serious injury and death resulting from collisions and falls when riding on roller sports recreation devices such as skateboards, scooters, and in-line skates. Protective headgear (safety helmets) of the type already required for youth riding bicycles have been proven to prevent many serious injuries and deaths.

Wearing a bike helmet reduces the risk of brain injury by up to 88%, and reduces the risk of injury to the face by 65% (CDC, 1991).

Helmet Fitting

To measure a helmet for proper fit, start with a paper or cloth measuring tape. (A piece of string works too.) The measuring tape should be placed one finger width above the eyebrow, and should rest just above the ears. Wrap the measuring tape evenly around the head, until it is snug, but not too tight. Note where the measuring tape begins to overlap. Mark the size in inches. (If using a piece of string, compare the length of the string with a measuring tape.)

Think First Oregon offers low-cost safety certified bicycle helmets to schools that participate in our educational programs. We also sell helmets at community health and safety fairs. The helmets are available in toddler through adult sizes in limited colors. Contact the Think First office at (503) 494-7801 or e-mail thnkfrst@ohsu.edu for more information about our bicycle helmets.