I’m sure you might’ve thought this when you need something from a store, ‘should I just walk right in wearing my helmet, or take it off?’ It’ll take only a minute, right?
The simplest answer is it’s a good idea to take the motorcycle helmet off; even if it takes only a few minutes in the store. The store can certainly give you a hard time for wearing a motorcycle helmet in stores.
Can you wear a motorcycle helmet in stores?
So, can you wear a motorcycle helmet in stores? Well, you can wear a motorcycle helmet in stores but it’s wiser to take it off before entering stores. It’s one of the things that you can doesn’t always mean you should. Sometimes it can be chill, especially if the store knows who you are. But stores and security guards often don’t like it when a dude with a helmet and all the riding gear walks around the store. At the very least you’ll get a vibe of, ‘Just get your stuff, and leave’.
As a rule of thumb, take off your motorcycle helmet when entering a store, shopping mall, or bank. It’s better to put it in a helmet-carrying bag or leave it locked with the motorcycle if you are out for more than a few minutes.
Is it illegal to wear a motorcycle helmet in the store?
No, it’s not “technically” illegal to wear a motorcycle helmet in a store. But not wearing the helmet in a store will potentially save you from arguments, harassment, and even the store calling the cops on you. Most of the time, store employees or security guards will ask you to take it off because your face can’t be seen by the security cameras.
The reason stores hate it when you enter the store wearing a motorcycle helmet is related to shoplifting and even robbery. There have been some cases where people enter stores or banks wearing motorcycle helmets and try to rob them at gunpoint. If you do reverse psychology, the store doesn’t know if you are a friendly neighborhood rider or a cracked dude trying to rob them.
In extreme cases, you can be charged with criminal trespassing if the store owner asks you to leave and you refuse.
Reasons not to wear a motorcycle helmet in a store
There are so many reasons why you should not wear a motorcycle helmet in a store. And if you are chilling listening to your music while wearing a helmet like this dude who got the cops called on him, then you’re just asking for trouble.
- It’s awkward and rude sometimes
- People might stare at you intensely
- People might avoid interaction
- Stores might have the notice to remove anything that prevents the camera to capture the face
- Security cameras can’t record your face
- Store employees or guards might get pissed at you
- You might be charged for shoplifting
- You might be charged with criminal trespassing
Need more? Just don’t do it, my man! It’s not a big deal until it is and your day is ruined for it.
What to do with a motorcycle helmet when you go to a store
So, what to do with a helmet if you need to go to the store? Can’t just leave a few hundred dollars worth of a helmet on your bike and hope no one steals it, right?
Well, you can take care of this quite effectively, we even have a dedicated post about it.
As a rule of thumb, put the helmet off when entering a store, at least open the face shield if it’s a full-face helmet. And leave it locked on the bike if you are out for some time.
Helmet laws by state
Whether you are required to wear a motorcycle helmet while riding varies from state to state. In some states, it’s completely fine if you ride your motorcycle without wearing a helmet. For example, in Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire there’s no particular law for wearing motorcycle helmets. However, in others, there is some sort of rules and regulations. Here’s the list of helmet laws by state.
Conclusion
It’s always a good idea to leave your helmet with the motorcycle locked if are planning to go to a store and take your time. It might save you from potential arguments or harassment. People might even freak out, seeing a dude walking around wearing a black helmet in the middle of the store. Just don’t give the store a hard time and they won’t either.
If you are interested in this, you might also know about how you can carry a motorcycle helmet.