California is one of the top bucket-list motorcycle destinations in the world with its iconic routes, endless miles of coastline, cultural landmarks, and bustling urban meccas. It’s also a motorcycle-friendly state for motorcyclists to ride to work and school daily due to the year-round temperate climate. But before embarking on your dream road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway or buying a motorcycle as a gas-friendly means of daily transportation, it’s essential to gain a solid grasp of California’s motorcycle laws so an exhilarating ride in the open air isn’t cut short by a traffic violation, or worse—an accident. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a Van Nuys motorcycle accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process.
Motorcycle Licensing Laws in California
Before obtaining a motorcycle license in California, all applicants must meet specific requirements. These include the following:
- Obtaining a learner’s permit which restricts the biker to daytime riding and prohibits riding on the freeway (applicants must be at least 15.5 years old)
- Holding the permit for at least six months if you are under age 21 before applying for a license
- Passing a vision test
- Completing a California Motorcyclist Safety Program course administered or approved by the California Highway Patrol
- Pass a knowledge exam
- Pass a practical skills test on a low-speed course
Operating a motorcycle without a license in California results in fines of up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail.
California’s Helmet and Equipment Laws
Under California Vehicle Code § 27803, the law states the following:
“A driver and any passenger shall wear a safety helmet meeting requirements established pursuant to Section 27802 when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.”
This is what’s known as a universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a DOT-approved helmet regardless of their age. Traffic citations for not wearing a helmet may result in significant penalties and may also impact the ability to recover compensation for injury damages in an accident claim.
Motorcycles in California must have:
- Right and left mirrors
- Handlebars that do not position the rider’s hands more than six inches above their shoulder height
- Working right and left turn signals on all motorcycles built after 1973
- Exhaust systems that comply with the Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act (on motorcycles built after 2013)
- Tailights that remain on for 15 minutes after shut-off
All motorcyclists must ensure that their motorcycle complies with the above requirements to avoid citations and ensure the safest possible ride.
Motorcycle Laws In California
Motorcyclists must follow all traffic laws, including the same rules of right of way, as car drivers. Riders must be responsible on the road, being sure to maintain safe speeds, stay out of driver’s blind spots, communicate intentions to drivers and other motorcyclists, and remain visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing or helmets.
Motorcyclists must also carry the minimum insurance requirements under California law.
Legal Lane Splitting in California Motorcycle Laws
California is the only state with legalized lane-splitting laws. Motorcycles may pass vehicles by riding the lines between lanes in slow or stalled traffic as long as they only travel ten miles per hour over the speed of the full-sized vehicles and no faster than 30 miles per hour while lane splitting.
Lane splitting in the far left lanes is the safest option.
