How do Mandatory Helmet Laws Effect Tax and Tourism Revenues in Missouri?
Missouri is surrounded by eight (8) states. Six of those eight states do not have mandatory helmet laws for adults – and one of those states (Iowa) has never had a mandatory helmet law – period.
Missouri is one of only 19 states that require helmets for adults – in 31 states adults ride with the freedom to choose.
Motorcyclists who live in Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas do not choose to ride into Missouri to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the inviting vacation spots, or to visit the warm and wonderful citizens of our state. Those motorcyclists don’t want to spend their limited leisure time riding in a state where they must wear a helmet. If they come into Missouri it is to pass through on their way to another helmet free state, but most travel around Missouri, if they have the time.
Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell has stated that every dollar spent on tourism in Missouri generates another $60. Missouri is losing millions of dollars in gas tax, sales tax, hotel tax, etc., by creating an unfriendly environment for motorcyclists from other states.
It is unlikely that riders from these states will purchase expensive helmets with their hard-earned vacation funds, just to visit Missouri, and with the limited storage space on a motorcycle, stowing them when not in our state presents additional problems. It’s easier and less expensive for them to vacation elsewhere.
Additionally, several large rallies are held each year, which draw hundreds of thousands of riders from all over America. The vast majority who find Missouri in their path choose to detour north through Iowa or south through Arkansas to avoid having to wear helmets.
These cross-country riders spend money for fuel, food, lodging, repairs, accessories and souvenirs as they pass through, both directions! The money they spend not only increases tax revenues, but also would create Missouri jobs, IF they could ride across our state, helmet-free. Once we open our doors to these people, perhaps those passing through our state will enjoy our scenery and people enough to plan vacations here.
The worst loss created by these restrictions is Missouri’s own motorcyclists are leaving the state at every opportunity to ride in states without mandatory helmet laws. Missouri motorcyclists are spending millions of dollars in gas tax, sales tax, hotel tax, etc., in other states that were earned here!
It has also been shown that when states give adult riders the choice of whether to wear a helmet or not, registrations of motorcycles increase dramatically. For each new owner this means increases in sales tax, property tax, registration and licensing fees, just for the motorcycle. This does not include accessories and riding apparel each rider will purchase, and their passengers, as well. This all adds up to a lot of new revenue for Missouri, in a time when we badly need it!
It’s time to rethink this archaic law. The “biker” image of years gone by has changed. Missouri’s motorcyclists are well-educated, responsible citizens. Missouri’s motorcyclists are entitled to the right to choose.
It’s time to open Missouri to the motorcycling public and enhance revenue for the State treasury. It’s time to change the mandatory helmet law in Missouri.
