Section 66-7-356 - Mandatory use of protective helmets. - New Mexico Statutes

66-7-356. Mandatory use of protective helmets.

A.     No person under the age of eighteen shall operate a motorcycle unless he is wearing a safety helmet securely fastened on his head in a normal manner as headgear and meeting the standards specified by the director.  The director shall adopt rules and regulations establishing standards covering the types of helmets and the specifications therefor and shall establish and maintain a list of approved helmets meeting the standards and specifications of the director.  No dealer or person who leases or rents motorcycles shall lease or rent a motorcycle to a person under the age of eighteen unless the lessee or renter shows such person a valid driver's license or permit and possesses the safety equipment required of an operator who is under the age of eighteen.  No person shall carry any passenger under the age of eighteen on any motorcycle unless the passenger is wearing a securely fastened safety helmet, as specified in this section, meeting the standards specified by the director.   

B.     Failure to wear a safety helmet as required in this section shall not constitute contributory negligence.