DOVER — The Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles aim to reduce motorcycle fatalities with a new helmet law going into effect Friday.

Senate Bill 86, sponsored by numerous legislators, was signed by Gov. John Carney on June 30. It requires everyone who obtains a new motorcycle endorsement or anyone riding with that person to wear a helmet and eye protection for two years.

Also, every adult operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle is required to have a helmet in their possession and to wear eye protection at all times. And every person up to age 19 must wear such items.

Helmets and eyewear are already required for those operating with a temporary motorcycle instruction permit. Plus, no passengers are allowed.

A civil penalty will be assessed to those found in violation of the new helmet legislation.

Nineteen states and the District of Columbia require all motorcyclists to wear helmets.

As of Thursday, there were 22,174 motorcycles registered in Delaware.

In 2022, 22 motorcyclists were killed on the state’s roads. As of Thursday, 12 motorcyclists have been killed this year.

For motorcycle safety tips, visit arrivealivede.com.