Missouri DOT Urges Governor to Veto Repeal of Motorcycle Helmet Law

May 21, 2009

Missouri Transportation Director Pete Rahn says legislation repealing the state's motorcycle helmet law for adults "makes no sense'' and that Gov. Jay Nixon should veto it.

Lawmakers during their annual session that ended last week approved a bill that would lift the helmet requirement for those who are at least 21 years old and not traveling on interstate highways.

Rahn on Wednesday denounced the bill in front of the emergency room of a Jefferson City hospital along with two doctors and a motorcyclist who says he survived a 2006 accident because of his helmet.

A spokesman for Nixon said the governor plans to review the legislation.

Supporters of repealing the helmet law contend motorcyclists should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to wear helmets.