New Jersey Bicycle Helmet Law-
Beginning July 1, 1992, all children under the age of fourteen riding a bike, even as a passenger, must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. This includes persons who ride on a bicycle while in a restraining seat which is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.
This requirement applies at all time while a bicycle is being operated on any property open to the public or used by the public for pedetstrian and vehicular purposes.
The helmet must meet the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z90.4 bicycle helmet standard) or the Snell Memorial Foundation's 1984 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling.
A child who violates this law will be warned of the violation by the enforcing official. The parent of legal guardian of that person also may be fined a maximum of $25 for the first offense and a maximum of $100 for a subsequent offense if it can be shown that the parent or guardian failed to exercise reasonable supervision or contral over the child's conduct. The fine may be waived if the child or his parent/guardian presents suitable proof that an approved helmet was owned at the time of the violation or has been purchased since the violation occurred.
Have your child try on several helmets to make sure the one you choose fits properly and is comfortable. You may have to add padding inside the helmet to obtain a snug fit. Additional padding is usally included. Make sure the helmet has a good ventilation system so that your child stays cool and comfortable. The more comfortable the helmet, the more likely your child will be to wear it.
Look for a helmet with a nylon strap and strong buckle. These keep the helmet on your child's head in the event of a crash. A helmet with a micro shell will spread the force of an impact throughout the entire helmet and keep sharp objects from contacting the inner lining. Only purchase a helmet that has a sticker from either the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These helmets have passed safety tests.
Purchasing a safety tested and properly fitted helmet, and encouraging its use could save your child from head and/or brain injury in the event of a crash. And remember, the helmet can only serve its indended purpose if it is worn. So protect yourself, and your family, by making sure everyone wears a helmet on every bicycle ride. For more information, contact the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety at (609) 588-3750 or (800) 422-3750.