Louisiana keeps things pretty straightforward with bicycle helmet laws. Kids under 12 must wear helmets, period. Once you hit 12, parents are free to make their own choices about kids head protection.
The state law is clear and simple, though there are a few quirks with e-bikes and local ordinances that might catch you off guard.
Quick Reference
Age requirement: Under 12 must wear helmets
Adult requirement: None
E-bike rules: Class III e-bikes require helmets for all ages
Local variations: Follows state law
Enforcement: Education-focused
Safety standards: Must be properly fastened
The Basic State Law
Louisiana requires that any person under the age of 12 riding a bicycle, as an operator or passenger, must wear a protective bicycle helmet. Simple as that. Whether your kid is pedaling their own bike or riding as a passenger, they need a helmet if they’re under 12.
The helmet must be properly fastened – not just sitting on their head like a hat. Louisiana doesn’t mess around with loose straps or helmets worn backward.
E-Bikes Get Special Treatment
Louisiana’s e-bike laws are a bit more complex than regular bicycles. Operators and passengers must wear a bicycle helmet while using a Class III e-bike, regardless of age. Class III e-bikes are the fast ones that can assist up to 28 mph, so Louisiana wants everyone wearing helmets on those.
For Class I and Class II e-bikes (the slower ones), the same rules apply as regular bicycles – just the under-12 requirement.
What This Means for Families
Louisiana’s approach is pretty family-friendly. The under-12 rule covers that critical age when kids are still developing their balance and judgment on bikes. After 12, the state trusts families to make their own safety decisions.
The enforcement tends to be educational rather than punitive. Police aren’t setting up helmet checkpoints, but they will use helmet violations as teaching moments during other stops.
Adults Ride Free
There is no statewide requirement for helmet for adults, which puts Louisiana in line with most Southern states. Whether you’re 12 or 80, regular bicycle helmets are your choice.
That said, Louisiana roads can be challenging for cyclists, especially in rural areas where drivers might not be used to a lot of bicycles. But from a legal standpoint, adult helmet use is entirely up to you.
Where to Find Good Helmets
Since you’ll need helmets for kids under 12, here are some solid options across Louisiana:
- Academy Sports + Outdoors – Multiple locations, good kids’ selection
- REI (Metairie) – Best for proper fitting and quality options
- Dick’s Sporting Goods – Decent selection, competitive prices
- Local bike shops – Always the best bet for getting the right fit
The key is making sure the helmet fits properly. A loose helmet won’t protect anyone and might not even satisfy the “properly fastened” requirement.
Enforcement Reality
The issuance of a citation for failure to wear a required helmet shall not be prima facie evidence of negligence. Translation: getting a helmet ticket doesn’t automatically make you liable in a crash, which is good legal protection.
Most enforcement focuses on education, especially during community events and school safety programs. Louisiana seems more interested in building good habits than writing tickets.
Bottom Line
Louisiana’s helmet laws are straightforward and reasonable. Kids under 12 need helmets everywhere, adults don’t need them at all (except Class III e-bikes), and New Orleans has slightly stricter rules for motorized bikes.
The law is clear enough that you won’t get caught by surprise, but flexible enough that families can make their own safety decisions once kids hit their teens. It’s a balanced approach that prioritizes child safety without being overly restrictive.
If you’re visiting Louisiana with kids, pack helmets for anyone under 12 and you’ll be good to go. If you’re an adult, the choice is yours – but remember that Louisiana drivers aren’t always the most bike-aware, so a helmet might not be a bad idea regardless of what the law says.