Does CA Have Helmet Laws?

Spectacular ocean views call many riders to enjoy California coastal highways. If you’re a motorcyclist in Pismo Beach, CA, contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc to find out the legal expectations of operating a motorcycle here. In the meantime, here are the rules for helmet laws in California.

The short answer is yes. Currently, California does require motorcycle helmets, and this law applies to all riders. In this regard, California law mimics 19 other states. Another 27 states protect minors by requiring them to wear helmets and just three states don’t require helmets.

Types of Helmet Required

California follows minimum safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation for motorcycle helmets. Standard 218 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety code set forth the following requirements:

  • Thick Inner Liner at least one inch thick and made of polystyrene foam
  • Riveted Chin Straps are sturdy and attached to the helmet via solid rivets
  • Weight for the federal standards is a minimum of three pounds
  • Helmet designs shouldn’t protrude more than 0.2 inches from the shell

Does Not Wearing a Helmet Affect Insurance Eligibility?

Federal laws and state requirements supersede insurance eligibility in this regard. In the state of California, helmets are required to operate a motorcycle, so they are automatically required to be insured as a legal motorcyclist.

Penalties for Not Wearing a Helmet

State laws do not consider operating a motorcycle without a helmet an equipment offense, which would involve steeper penalties. Violations are met with fines of varying degrees, depending on the circumstances. 

California law is very specific when it comes to how to hear a helmet to avoid circumvention of wearing a helmet anyway other than the head, In this case, the law is absolute.

To obtain an insurance quote for your motorcycle insurance in Pismo Beach, CA, contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc to set up an appointment for a quote.