Polaris Slingshot Vehicles: An Overview
The Polaris Slingshot is a three-wheeled, recreational vehicle that has been generated quite a lot of excitement among drivers, manufacturers, and politicians. It is classified as a motorcycle in some states, and as an automobile in others. Regardless of its classification or location, the Slingshot is hard to beat when it comes to enjoying the open road. Although the Slingshot has some features that are similar to those of a motorcycle and a car, it is a completely new type of vehicle that is difficult to classify. The Slingshot is classified as a reverse trike because it has two wheels in the front and just one in the back. The cockpit resembles that of a car and the body is made from a combination of steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. The Slingshot is a 5-speed manual vehicle with a 2.4L Ecotec engine that utilizes the basis of a Chevy Ecotec Sky HD engine. Its chassis uses a double-wishbone front suspension that is linked to its rear axle. All Slingshot vehicles are rear-wheel drive with the engine mounted sideways , which is different from many other vehicles of its kind that use a mid-engine layout. Like a motorcycle, the Slingshot has handlebars and a steering wheel that is similar to that of a go-kart. It has a top speed of 125 miles per hour and can go from zero to 60 in about five seconds. The first Slingshot vehicles were produced in 2014. Soon thereafter, Polaris Slingshot became the fastest growing motorcycle brand in the country. In 2017, Polaris Slingshot’s sales saw a 44 percent increase over 2016. With so many who are excited about owning a Slingshot, including even some police departments who use the Slingshot for community policing, it was important for politicians to figure out where the vehicle fit and how to apply certain laws that were previously applicable only to motorcycles or cars.
Helmet Laws – Why Are They In Place?
It probably goes without saying, but when looking at Polaris Slingshot helmet laws by state, we should first consider why these regulations exist at all. Wearing a helmet is essential for any motorcycle rider, but it is certainly crucial for Slingshot drivers and passengers. After all, a Polaris Slingshot 3-wheeled motorcycle is classified as a motorcycle in all states.
Although a Polaris Slingshot driver is shielded by a roll bar, you are still vulnerable when you hit the road on a Polaris Slingshot. Like any other motorcycle, it’s likely that your Polaris Slingshot will have a serious accident if you drive or ride recklessly. For example, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) looked at 2017’s fatal traffic accidents, its analysis found that almost 5,000 of those deaths were the result of motorcycle accidents.
To put that in perspective, out of every mile traveled, there were about 72 motorcyclists killed. Compare that to the three-car fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles and it becomes clear that motorcyclists face a much greater chance of being killed while driving than any other vehicle.
Those who don’t wear a helmet during their drive or ride on a motorcycle are also risking their life. Statistically, riders without a helmet are three times more likely to die in a motorcycle crash. There’s no denying that wearing a helmet reduces the chances of injury and death when compared to those who go without a helmet. Clearly, whether or not you wear a helmet while driving or riding in a Polaris Slingshot matters.
There is also a cost associated with driving or riding in a Polaris Slingshot without a helmet. The average cost of treating motorcycle crash injuries is about $6,000 per injured motorcyclist. Funded by taxpayers and uninsured individuals, accident costs are paid by Medicaid or other public sources. In Florida alone, taxes pay for about $22 million each year related to motorcycle injury treatment. Both taxpayers and motorcycle riders will benefit from Slingshot riders wearing helmets.
Polaris Slingshot State Helmet Laws
One of the top concerns for Polaris Slingshot drivers after purchasing the three-wheeled vehicle is whether or not they are required to wear a helmet. Currently, there are only two states where operators and passengers are completely exempted from using a helmet and eye protection on a Polaris Slingshot. Oregon – If the Polaris Slingshot is equipped with a safety belt, then operators and passengers are not required to wear a helmet or goggles. If not, then the helmet law applies to the driver and the passenger. In the state of Oregon, the helmet law does not apply if the Polaris Slingshot is equipped with a windshield and protection against impact with other vehicles or fixed obstacles located in line with any seat at its maximum forward position. North Dakota – Similar to Oregon, the helmet and eye protection law in North Dakota is not applicable if the Polaris Slingshot is equipped with a safety belt and rollover protection system meeting the applicable standards set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 216. Nationwide – for the rest of the nation, however, Polaris Slingshot drivers and passengers are required by law to wear a helmet as well as eye protection at all times, even if the vehicle has a windshield in place. Texas is the only state so far that does not require the helmet law for Slingshot owners but instead gives them the option to obtain a motorcycle exemption sticker, which is issued after a driver completes an approved motorcycle or trike safety course, thus exempting them from complying with the helmet and eye protection law.
Polaris Slingshot Helmet Exemptions and Special Circumstances
Each state has its own laws and exemptions to the law, and helmet use when driving a Polaris Slingshot is no different. Some states make exceptions for certain age groups, while others offer exemptions for those who modify the vehicle. Below are some of the current exemptions found across the nation: St. Louis, Missouri, does have a helmet exemption for those who have modified their Polaris Slingshot with an aftermarket windshield ("Operable windshield (subject to driver wearing safety glasses or goggles).") In Massachusetts, those who are 21 years or older are exempt from wearing a helmet on state roads if they are operating a motorcycle or "three-wheeled motorcycle" such as a Polaris Slingshot . Alaska’s helmet law is not enforceable if the driver is 18 years of age or older and if the operator or passenger is wearing protective eyewear such as glasses, goggles, or face shields. Some states have age-based exemptions to their laws; for example, those under the age of 12 must wear a helmet while those who are older than 12 do not have to wear one. Some states generically require that those who drive "motorcycles" wear a helmet, though do not define "motorcycle" with modifiers that would include the Polaris Slingshot.
Helmet Laws Compared to Other Vehicles
While Polaris Slingshots are notable for their unique three wheel configuration, their relationship to other vehicles with similar numbers of wheels, but fewer points of contact with the ground, is important from a regulatory and liability perspective. Partially for this reason, there are a number of different government agencies that have clarified and standardized rules for using Polaris Slingshots in various states and for a number of different purposes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (source): "Many manufacturers of trike (three-wheel) motorcycles and other three-wheeled motorcycles claim they are not required to comply with the safety standards for motorcycles, because of the small diameter of the wheels used." They may claim that since the wheels are so small, that these types of vehicles fall into the definition of either an "other two-wheel vehicle" or a "three-wheel vehicle" as defined in section 571.3 of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, § 571.3.
The NHTSA went on to clarify that "if the vehicle shares the general layout of a two-wheel or three-wheel motorcycle, although at least one of its wheels has a small diameter wheel, we consider it falls within the definition of either a motorcycle or a three-wheel motorcycle, and therefore the full motorcycle safety standards apply." These regulatory codes would be the same as ones that are applied to a standard motorcycle, though vehicles with three wheels such as the Polaris Slingshot are often only held to motorcycle helmet laws.
Furthermore, the NHTSA explained that for "safety purposes, a vehicle with the general layout of a motorcycle, and that has one or two small diameter wheels of approximately equal size to those of a motorcycle, is classified as a motorcycle. We understand that some manufacturers produce trikes that are wider than a motorcycle, and that the small diameter wheels of the trikes might be so small that the trikes would otherwise be classified as other two-wheel vehicles. The requirements for identification of the vehicle as a motorcycle under this provision are the same as under the other motorcycle safety standards, and compliance with each of those standards is required."
It should also be noted that certain vehicles are specifically exempted from the definition of motorcycles. These include:
Interestingly, the NHTSA explained that "three-wheel vehicles that are wider than a motorcycle and that do not have through-frame foot and leg rests ‘like those used on a motorcycle’ may instead have the classification of a passenger car, which is a four-wheeled vehicle designed primarily for carrying passengers or families (i.e., a vehicle designed to carry more than eight persons, including the driver, will generally be considered a passenger car)."
In comparing non-motorcycle vehicles with three (or more) wheels, the NHTSA offered the following explanation:
Three (or more)-wheel vehicles of the general layout of a motorcycle, including three-wheeled motorcycles (motorcycles with two wheels in the front and one in the rear) and trikes (motorcycles with two wheels in the rear and one in the front) are classified as other two-wheel vehicles or three-wheel vehicles, and therefore do not meet the statutory definition of a motorcycle."
While Polaris Slingshots may not fall under the NHTSA’s definition for motorcycles or even trikes, in many states, such as California, they still must comply with the same helmet laws as motorcycle operators.
Conclusion: Helmet Laws and Safe Riding
We hope that our breakdown of Polaris Slingshot helmet laws by state has helped you better understand your requirements as a Polaris Slingshot driver or passenger. While it’s always best to consult your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles directly, we’ve covered all the helmet requirements in a user-friendly format because we know you value your time and energy as much as you value a smooth ride on the highway.
Always keep in mind that your safety out on the road is more important than conforming to your state’s helmet regulations. Most Slingshot drivers wear helmets even if their state doesn’t require it . However, Slingshot helmets are designed for use without a neck support. For this reason, there are only certain helmets that are appropriate for use with your Polaris Slingshot. Remember to check the specifications for your particular helmet and make sure it will be suitable.
As a Polaris Slingshot driver, it’s important to follow all local laws and requirements to the best of your abilities. However, it’s equally important that you avoid exhibiting poor driving behavior. While Slingshot helmet laws don’t apply universally, driving responsibly, obeying the law, and following simple common sense practices are always wise on the road.