Nebraska’s new motorcycle helmet law goes into effect on Jan. 1

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska’s new motorcycle helmet requirement goes into effect across the state on Monday.

Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner spoke on Friday about the implementation of Legislative Bill 138, which was passed in May.

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

Motorcyclists – who are over the age of 21 – must complete a safety course before legally riding without a helmet.

The Nebraska Safety Council offers a 3-day motorcycle safety course.  More state-approved safety courses can be found on the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s website.

Once completed, bikers can submit the course completion on the DMV’s website.

Bikers also will need to wear or have eye protection, and motorcyclists under 21 are still required to wear a helmet.

Anyone violating the helmet or eye protection requirements will be fined $250 for each offense, the Lincoln Police Department said in a press release.

Wagner said motorcyclists should still consider wearing a helmet.

“It’s an individual choice thing,” he said.  “But yeah, I think it’s their best chance of avoiding serious injury or death from a head injury.”

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