Bicycle Helmets Required for Children
Maryland law requires all bicyclists under the age of 16 to wear a bicycle safety helmet when riding on public property. This includes roadways, trails and sidewalks. A bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury by 85 percent. All bicycle riders are encouraged to wear helmets whenever they ride. Maryland law requires riders under the age of 16 years to wear approved helmets when riding.
Sec. 21-1207.1.
At all times while a bicycle is being operated on any highway, bicycle way, or other property open to the public or used by the public for pedestrian or vehicular traffic; and
To a person under the age of 16 who is riding on a bicycle, including a person under the age of 16 who is a passenger on a bicycle:
1. In a restraining seat attached to the bicycle; or
2. In a trailer being towed by the bicycle.
Helmets – A person to whom this section applies may not operate or ride as a passenger on a bicycle unless the person is wearing a helmet that meets or exceeds the standards of the American National Standards Institute, the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the American Society for Testing and Materials for protective headgear for use in bicycling.
Furthermore, wearing earplugs or headsets covering both ears while riding a bicycle is also prohibited. Exceptions are for hearing aids and while riding a bicycle on a pathway expressly authorized for the use of persons operating bicycles.
The fine for wearing earplugs or headsets covering both ears on a bicycle is $60.
