• Mississippi law requires helmets for all motorcycle operators.Helmet for motorbike image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
  
  The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators attributes the sharp increase in motorcycle fatalities from 2,161 to 5,154 between 1996 and 2007 to several factors, including the decline in helmet usage by motorcycle operators. Mississippi led the states in the number of motorcycle fatalities per 10,000 vehicles in 2006, according to the Insurance Journal. Mississippi has adopted laws regarding the use of helmets by motorcycle operators, including standards for helmet manufacturing.
  
  

Federal Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218

• Standard No. 218 is a federal requirement aimed to ensure that manufacturers perform laboratory tests to verify that motorcycle helmets resist penetration or puncture and that chin straps remain fastened upon impact. The standard also stipulates that a DOT sticker be affixed to DOT-approved motorcycle helmets. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators recommends helmets that comply with Standard No. 218 to motorcycle operators.
  
  

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators

• The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) is a national body that represents state motor vehicle administrators. The AAMVA has issued motorcycle operator licensing guidelines in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in which it recommends the use of helmets meeting Federal Standard No. 218, including laboratory testing and DOT sticker requirements. Mississippi law requires helmets meet the AAMVA standard; therefore, any helmet must comply with Federal Standard No. 218.
  
  

Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 63-7-64

• Mississippi law requires motorcycle operators and riders to wear a crash helmet that conforms with helmets approved by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. Section 63-7-64 also makes violations of the requirement to wear a crash helmet punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment, in accordance with Section 63-9-11 of the Mississippi Code.
  
  

Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 63-9-11

• Violations of the helmet requirement can result in a fine of no more than $100 on the first violation. For a second violation falling within one year of the first, the fine shall not exceed $200, but may include up to 20 days imprisonment. For the third or subsequent violation falling within one year of the first violation, the fine shall not exceed $500 and can be accompanied by up to 6 months of imprisonment.