Question: Can my child use a bicycle helmet when he is a passenger in my side-by-side ATV?
Answer: In Minnesota, any class 1 or 2 ATV operator or passengers under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet when riding on public lands or waters, or a public road right-of-way. They must also wear a seat belt if provided by the manufacturer.
An approved helmet worn by an operator or passenger must meet federal law, which requires the helmet to display the symbol DOT. DOT is the manufacturer’s certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. Standard bicycle helmets and hockey helmets are not legal helmets.
A portion of state statutes was used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson – Minnesota State Patrol at 1131 Mesaba Ave, Duluth, MN 55811. (You can follow me on Twitter @MSPPIO_ NE or reach me at neil.dickenson@state. mn.us).
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