What are California’s motorcycle laws and helmet laws?

California has a number of laws and safety regulations associated with riding motorcycles, motorbikes, and motorized bicycles. All of these laws are designed to prevent California motorcycle accidents and minimize injuries when a collision does occur.

Here is an overview of the most important laws related to operating a motorcycle in California:

• Safety helmets are required for all motorcycle riders of all ages. Passengers of all ages also are required to wear helmets.
• Eye protection and ear protection are not required by law while riding a motorcycle.
• The handlebars of your motorcycle may not be so high that your hands are positioned more than six inches above your shoulders.
• There are no restrictions regarding lane splitting, lane sharing, or two motorcycles riding abreast.
• Mufflers are required on all motorcycles. Motorcycles also must operate under a maximum sound level, which is determined based on the bike’s age.
• A motorcycle rider may listen to a helmet speaker in one ear only.
• A motorcycle rider must use his or her headlight at all time, including daytime, if the motorcycle was manufactured after 1978.
• All motorcycles are required to have at least one rear view mirror.
• There is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers.

Contact Our Experienced CA Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you have been involved in an Orange Country traffic accident that was not your fault, you may wish to speak with one of our experienced CA motorcycle accident attorneys. Call Russell & Lazarus today at (800) 268-9228.