Mississippi City Council Adopts Helmet Law for Cyclists

Cyclists of all ages in Jackson, Miss., will have to start wearing helmets when they ride or face a $75 fine.

The Jackson City Council on Tuesday became the fifth local government in the state to enact a mandatory bike helmet law, after the legislation spent weeks bouncing from the Transportation Committee to the council floor and back again.

The Clarion-Ledger reports the vote was unanimous, and will apply to cyclists on all public roads and sidewalks, unless they’re riding in a cul-de-sac or dead end street in a residential area.

The first citation is voidable in court, if riders can prove they acquired a helmet after receiving the ticket. It takes effect as soon as the mayor signs it, or within a month if he does not.