HB3783 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 10502 LNS 20577 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB3783

Introduced 2/18/2025, by Rep. Hoan Huynh

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

625 ILCS 5/11-1404	from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1404
625 ILCS 5/11-1404.5 new

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Requires the operator of a motorcycle, motor driver cycle, or moped and every passenger thereon to be protected by a safety helmet. Defines "safety helmet" as a protective covering for the head consisting of a hard outer shell, padding adjacent to and inside the outer shell, and a chin-strap type retention system with a sticker indicating that the safety helmet meets standards established by the United States Department of Transportation. Provides that it is unlawful to: operate a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or moped if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet; and ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, motor driven cycles, or moped if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet. Sets forth exceptions to wearing a safety helmet.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning transportation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by changing Section 11-1404 and by adding Section 11-1404.5 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/11-1404) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1404)

Sec. 11-1404. Special equipment for persons riding motorcycles, motor driven cycles or mopeds.

(a) The operator of a motorcycle, motor driven cycle or moped and every passenger thereon shall be protected by a safety helmet and glasses, goggles or a transparent shield.

(b) For the purposes of this Section, glasses, goggles, and transparent shields are defined as follows:

"Glasses" means ordinary eye pieces such as spectacles or sunglasses worn before the eye, made of shatter-resistant material. "Shatter-resistant material", as used in this Section, means material so manufactured, fabricated, or created that it substantially prevents shattering or flying when struck or broken.

"Goggles" means a device worn before the eyes, the predominant function of which is protecting the eyes without obstructing peripheral vision. Goggles shall provide protection from the front and sides, and may or may not form a complete seal with the face.

"Safety helmet" means a protective covering for the head consisting of a hard outer shell, padding adjacent to and inside the outer shell, and a chin-strap type retention system with a sticker indicating that the safety helmet meets standards established by the United States Department of Transportation.

"Transparent shield" means a windshield attached to the front of a motorcycle that extends above the eyes when an operator is seated in the normal, upright riding position, made of shatter-resistant material, or a shatter-resistant protective face shield that covers the wearer's eyes and face at least to a point approximately to the tip of the nose.

(c) Contact lenses are not acceptable eye protection devices.

(Source: P.A. 96-554, eff. 1-1-10.)

(625 ILCS 5/11-1404.5 new)

Sec. 11-1404.5. Unlawful use of a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or moped without a safety helmet.

(a) For the purposes of this Section, "wear a safety helmet" or "wearing a safety helmet" means having a safety helmet meeting the requirements of Section 11-1404 on the person's head that is fastened with the helmet straps and that is of a size that fits the wearing person's head securely without excessive lateral or vertical movement.

(b) It is unlawful to operate a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or moped if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by Section 11-1404.

(c) It is unlawful to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, motor driven cycles, or moped if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by Section 11-1404.

(d) This Section applies to a person who is riding on a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or moped operated on State highways.

(e) This Section does not apply to a person operating, or riding as a passenger in, a fully enclosed 3-wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than 7 feet in length and not less than 4 feet in width, and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more, if the vehicle meets or exceeds all of the requirements of this Code, the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

(f) This Section does not apply to a driver or passenger who wears a turban or patka as an expression of the person's religious belief and practice when riding on a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or moped.

(g) In enacting this Section, it is the intent of the General Assembly to ensure that all persons are provided with an additional safety benefit while operating or riding a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or moped.