Bicycle Helmet Laws in West Virginia
Last reviewed by BikeSize EditorialThis guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change - verify current rules with your state DOT or a licensed attorney before relying on this for any legal matter. Read full disclaimer.
The rule
West Virginia requires a bicycle helmet for any rider under the age of 15. The same rule extends to children carried as passengers in a child seat or trailer. WV Code § 17C-11A-3 requires every person under 15 to wear a protective helmet meeting the standards of the American National Standards Institute, the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission whenever operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle, including in a child trailer. The first violation may be dismissed by the court on proof of helmet purchase; subsequent offenses carry a fine of $5 to $25. See WV Code § 17C-11A-3 (Bicycle safety helmets - required for persons under 15).
Statute
What this means in practice
If you're 15 or older, West Virginia doesn't require you to wear a helmet by state law. Riders under 15 (and any child carried as a passenger) must wear a helmet that meets the CPSC standard.
Cities can be stricter than the state floor, and bike-share systems often require helmets regardless of age. If you're renting or commuting in a major city, confirm the local rule before you ride.
Get the fit right
Find your CPSC-certified helmet size
A helmet that meets the law but does not fit will not protect you. Measure your head circumference, then shop a size band you can trust.
Open the helmet size calculator