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Bill

HB 3783

Relating to energy.

2025 Regular Session

Requires all motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, and moped riders and passengers on state highways to wear a properly fitted DOT-standard helmet with eye protection.

In committee upon adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3783

HB 3783 — VEH CD: Safety Helmet (Summary)

Status: Enacted — Signed by Governor 6/20/2025; effective immediately
Introduced: 2/18/2025 by Rep. Hoan Huynh
Primary change: Amends 625 ILCS 5/11‑1404 and adds new Section 11‑1404.5 to the Illinois Vehicle Code

Purpose

To strengthen motorcycle safety requirements by affirmatively requiring that motorcycle, motor‑driven cycle, and moped operators and passengers wear safety helmets that meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards, and to clarify associated eye‑protection requirements.

Key provisions

  • Requires the operator and every passenger on a motorcycle, motor‑driven cycle, or moped to be “protected by a safety helmet and glasses, goggles, or a transparent shield.” (Amends Section 11‑1404.)
  • Adds Section 11‑1404.5 which:
    • Defines “wear a safety helmet” to mean a DOT‑standard helmet (as defined in 11‑1404) placed on the head, fastened with straps, and properly sized (no excessive lateral or vertical movement).
    • Makes it unlawful to operate such vehicles if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required.
    • Makes it unlawful to ride as a passenger if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a required safety helmet.
    • Specifies that the section applies to operation on State highways.
    • States legislative intent that the measure provides an additional safety benefit to riders.

Definitions (notable)

  • “Safety helmet”: a head covering with a hard outer shell, interior padding, and a chin‑strap retention system, bearing a sticker indicating compliance with standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
  • “Glasses,” “goggles,” and “transparent shield” are defined in amended Section 11‑1404 (e.g., shatter‑resistant materials; goggles protect front and sides; transparent shield may be windshield or face shield covering to about the tip of the nose).

Exceptions

  • Fully enclosed 3‑wheeled motor vehicles are exempt if they meet minimum dimensions (at least 7 feet long, 4 feet wide), have an unladen weight of at least 900 pounds, and meet or exceed applicable provisions of the Vehicle Code, federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and relevant DOT/NHTSA rules.
  • Religious exemption: drivers or passengers who wear a turban or patka for religious reasons are exempt from the helmet requirement.

Who is affected

  • Motorcycle, motor‑driven cycle, and moped operators and passengers using State highways in Illinois.
  • Law enforcement officers enforcing vehicle safety laws.
  • Helmet manufacturers and retailers (helmets must meet DOT standards and carry compliance sticker).

Enforcement, penalties & implementation

  • The bill makes helmet use unlawful when not complied with, but the text provided does not specify exact penalties, fines, or enforcement procedures; those remain governed by existing enforcement practices under the Vehicle Code unless otherwise specified elsewhere.
  • Effective immediately upon the Governor’s signature (6/20/2025).

Legislative actions (highlights)

  • Passed both chambers (House concurrence in Senate amendments 5/29/2025).
  • Sent to and signed by the Governor: 6/20/2025.
  • Effective immediately per enactment date.

Notes: The bill text emphasizes DOT compliance for helmets and clarifies proper fit and strap fastening. The document also includes language about eye protection definitions; a line in the version provided references “Contact lenses are not acceptable eye protection,” but that phrase appears as a formatting fragment and is not clearly integrated into the statutory subsections—practitioners should consult the enrolled act for final, authoritative wording.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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