Looking to ride without a helmet? Here’s what Nebraska motorcyclists need to know

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska officials now have a system in place for when the state’s motorcycle helmet requirement goes away at the start of next year. 

The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles released the new procedure on Monday.

The new law requires all bikers to take a motorcycle safety course before they can ride without a helmet.

“They are required to complete a beginner rider course, which is a three-day course that will produce a card for them and that they are able to present in the event that they were pulled over,” said John Lefler, executive director of the Nebraska Safety Council.

The DMV said you can submit your course completion form directly on its website.

You’ll receive a confirmation email if it is approved or denied. You will not be able to go without a helmet unless it is approved.

Once the safety course is in the system, the DMV said law enforcement will be able to see it on your record.

The bill, LB 138, was signed into law in June. Motorcyclists under 21 are still required to wear a helmet.

The law goes into effect on Jan. 1. 

The Nebraska Safety Council is one of the places in Lincoln where people can learn to ride and get their safety course certificate.  

Lefler said after the law was passed, many people were wondering how the process would work.

“I think there may have been a little bit of confusion,” he said. “You may have noticed people that were out immediately after the announcement was made riding without their helmets.”

You can also take this course at the H&H Frontier Harley Davidson on Northwest 40th Street and at Southeast Community College. 

There were 30 motorcyclist deaths in Nebraska last year, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.