[§291C-150]  Bicycle helmets.  (a)  Noperson under sixteen years of age shall operate a bicycle upon a street,bikeway, or any other public property unless that person is wearing a properlyfitted and fastened bicycle helmet that has been tested by a nationallyrecognized agency such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,the National Safety Council, or the Children's Safety Network, and is designedto fit the user and protect against head trauma.  This requirement also appliesto a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that isattached to the bicycle or who rides in a trailer towed by the bicycle.

(b)  A person who provides bicycles for hireshall not rent a bicycle to any person unless every person who is under age sixteenis wearing a bicycle helmet, as required in subsection (a), while operating therented bicycle, occupying a restraining seat that is attached to the rentedbicycle, or riding in a trailer towed by the rented bicycle.

(c)  A violation of this section is punishableby a fine of not more than $25.  The parent or legal guardian having control orcustody of an unemancipated minor whose conduct violates this section shall beliable for the amount of the fine imposed pursuant to this section.

(d)  Notwithstanding any law to the contrary,the fines collected for a violation of this section shall be paid into thestate treasury to the credit of the state general fund. [L 2000, c 255, §1]