What Are The New California Motorcycle Safety Laws?

As new technologies and practices arise, California motorcycle laws are continually evolving, and while riding on two wheels can be a thrilling experience, it is crucial to remain aware of and abide by these changing laws and regulations.

If you or a loved one operates a motorcycle, understanding relevant and up-to-date traffic laws can prevent you from causing an accident and sustaining catastrophic and potentially life-threatening injuries. Consider consulting with an experienced, skillful motorcycle accident attorney at The Law Offices of Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC.

What You Need to Know About California Motorcycle Laws in 2023

Motorcyclists in California are required to follow the same rules as people operating trucks and other vehicles. The California legislature, however, has enacted specific laws to protect motorcyclists. For example, all motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet under California Vehicle Code Section 27803. To avoid accidents, costly fines, or even jail time, here are some motorcycle laws you should be familiar with.

Illegal Racing

Speeding and illegal street racing are frequent causes of fatal collisions and accidents. Although racing on highways is already illegal, Assembly Bill 2000 expands the illegality of street racing beyond streets and highways. The bill also prohibits people from racing or participating in exhibitions of speed in off-street parking lots.

Helmet Use

Motorcyclists and their passengers are required by law to wear a USDOT-compliant safety helmet. According to The California Department of Motor Vehicles, most accidents happen on short trips, and obtaining and using a compliant motorcycle safety helmet could cut your chance of sustaining a severe head injury in an accident by half.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting involves driving a motorcycle between two rows of vehicles that are either stopped or going significantly below the speed limit in the same lane. Although lane splitting is legal in California, motorcyclists must exercise extreme caution and consider the environment around them when attempting this maneuver.

Where possible, they should look to avoid big vehicles like buses and big rigs. It is also recommended to stick to the far left lanes and wear bright-colored or reflective clothing while riding. Lane splitting is not recommended for inexperienced riders. Additionally, riding in the shoulder lane remains illegal and differs from lane splitting.

Passenger Laws

For motorcycle passengers, there is no minimum age requirement that applies. However, motorcycles are prohibited from carrying passengers who don't have their own seat footrests and whose feet cannot reach the ground. Additionally, motorcyclists are prohibited from carrying passengers not securely fastened to the machine at the rear or in a sidecar.

Licensing Laws

Motorcycle permit holders in California must be a minimum age of 15 ½ and are only eligible to drive during daylight hours. Motorcycle license holders, on the other hand, must be 16 years or older. Those under 21 must first hold a learner's permit for at least six months before obtaining a motorcycle license. It is mandatory for all individuals seeking a California motorcycle license to possess a valid California driver's license, identification, or a thumbprint and pass a written permit, vision test, as well as the California Motorcyclist Safety Program course.

Currently, there are two types of motorcycle licenses offered by the state - the M1 and the M2. A person who holds an M1 license may operate any two-wheel motorcycle, motorized scooter, bicycle, or moped. A M2 license, however, only allows for the operation of motorized bicycles, scooters, and mopeds.

Consult With a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today!

Even if you abide by all relevant safety laws, there is still a chance you may be involved in a motorcycle accident. At The Law Offices of Bamieh & De Smeth, our motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to providing you with the legal assistance and representation you need to get your life on track after a collision. Contact us through our online form online or by calling 805-643-5555 to schedule your initial, complimentary consultation.