How old do you have to be to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle?

Only five states place minimum age restrictions on motorcycle passengers. In Louisiana, Texas and Washington, passengers must be at least 5 years old. In Hawaii they must be at least 7 years old, and in Arkansas they must be at least 8.

Some states do not place a specific minimum age on motorcycle passengers but do require that they be able to reach the foot pegs below the passenger seat of the vehicle. In all but two states, helmets are required for passengers under the age of 18. Only Illinois and Iowa have no helmet laws for passengers of any age.