Civic and Recreational Laws

Bike Helmet Law

• Anyone under 12 years of age must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Any child in a seat or being towed by the bicycle must also wear a helmet. The first violation of this law will be dismissed if the person produces proof that a helmet has been purchased.
• No bicycle may be used to carry more people than for which the bicycle is designed and equipped, except in cases where a child carrier has been safely and securely attached to an adult bicycle.

Dog Laws

• All dogs must be under control at all times by their owners or handlers when off personal property. It is recommended that you control your dog by a leash, but it is not required by law. Because dogs are considered personal property, the owner is responsible for any damage the dog does.
• All dogs three months or older must be licensed in the county in which they reside. The application fee for an annual license is $7.

Registering to Vote

• A teenager can register to vote in the next election if he/she meets the following qualifications:
         o He or she will be 18 by the time of the next election
         o He or she must have been a citizen of the U.S. for at least one month and have lived in the state in which he or she is voting for at least
            one month.
         o He or she also must not have been convicted of a felony and imprisoned within the last five years.
• To register to vote in person, individuals can apply at the motor vehicle licensing office and many government agency offices. Individuals also can register to vote through a mail-in voter registration application.
• When a voter arrives at his or her assigned voting place, that person will have to show proof of identification. This includes a driver's license, U.S. passport or student ID.