When out cycling, you need a bicycle helmet. This article discusses whether bicycle helmets are required in California.
For safety when you’re out riding, bicycle helmets are a staple. Whether you’re out on a road rage or climbing hilly areas and mountains, you need one. Just for that little extra bit of safety.
Different states have distinct laws that provide guidelines on the must-haves when out cycling. Here’s everything you need to know about California bicycle helmet laws.
California Bicycle Helmet Laws
Who Must Wear a Helmet
According to the California Vehicle Code, anyone under the age of 18 must wear an approved, properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet while operating a bicycle, non motorized scooter, or skateboard, or riding as a passenger on any of these vehicles on public roads, bikeways, or any other public bicycle path or trail.
The law also requires that children under the age of 5 must wear a helmet when riding as a passenger on a bike.
Where Helmets are Required
California law requires that helmets be worn on all public roads, bikeways, and any other public bicycle path or trail. Helmets are not required on private property.
Types of Helmets Allowed
The California law requires that the helmet must be an approved bicycle helmet that meets the safety standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. The helmet must be properly fitted and fastened with the side straps securely in place.
Penalties for Violating Helmet Laws
If a law enforcement officer sees a minor riding a bike without a helmet, they may issue a traffic citation and impose a fine.
The fine for violating the helmet law is $25, plus court fees. Parents or legal guardians may be held responsible for the fine if their child violates the helmet law.
Additionally, if a minor is caught riding without a helmet three times within a 12-month period, their parents or legal guardians will be required to take a bicycle safety course with the child.
Wearing a helmet is a personal choice, but it is important to note that head injuries are the most common cause of bicycle-related fatalities. By wearing a helmet, you can reduce their risk of severe injury or death in the event of an accident.
Where to Ride a Bicycle in California
When it comes to riding a bicycle in California, there are several options available. Depending on where you are located and your comfort level, you can choose to ride in a bicycle lane, bikeway, sidewalk, or share the road with motor vehicles.
Bicycle Lanes
Bicycle lanes are designated areas on the street that are reserved for cyclists. They are typically marked with a painted white line and sometimes have a bike symbol.
Bikeways
Bikeways are routes that are specifically designated for bicycles. They can include bike lanes, bike paths, and bike routes. In California, there are over 4,000 miles of bikeways, making it easy to find a safe and enjoyable route to ride your bicycle.
Sidewalks
In California, it is legal to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk unless there is a local ordinance that prohibits it. However, it is important to note that pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks, so cyclists should always yield to pedestrians and ride at a safe speed.
Sharing the Road with Cars
When riding a bicycle on the road, share the road with motor vehicles. California law requires that motorists give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing. Cyclists should also ride as far to the right as possible, except when passing, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards.
California offers a variety of options for cyclists to ride their bicycles safely and legally. Whether you choose to ride in a bicycle lane, bikeway, sidewalk, or share the road with motor vehicles, follow the rules of the road and ride defensively to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Choosing the Right Helmet
When it comes to choosing the right helmet, there are a few things to keep in mind. A helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment a cyclist can own. It can protect the rider from serious head injuries in the event of an accident. Here are some things to consider when selecting a helmet:
Helmet Fit
The first and most important thing to consider when selecting a helmet is the fit. A helmet that does not fit properly will not provide adequate protection in the event of an accident.
A helmet should fit snugly on the head, but not be too tight. It should sit level on the head and cover the forehead. The chin strap should be securely fastened and snug, but not too tight. It should also be adjustable so that it can be tightened or loosened as needed.
Helmet Safety Standards
When selecting a helmet, it is important to look for one that meets the appropriate safety standards. The two most common safety standards for bicycle helmets are the ASTM and Snell.
The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is a non-profit organization that sets safety standards for a wide range of products, including bicycle helmets. The Snell Memorial Foundation is another organization that sets safety standards for bicycle helmets.
Helmets that meet the ASTM and Snell safety standards have been rigorously tested and are designed to provide maximum protection in the event of an accident. Not all helmets are created equal!
Some helmets may claim to meet safety standards, but may not provide the same level of protection as helmets that have been tested and certified by the ASTM or Snell.
When choosing a helmet, consider both fit and safety standards. A properly fitting helmet that meets the appropriate safety standards can help protect the rider from serious head injuries in the event of an accident.
Exemptions to Helmet Laws
Religious Belief
In California, individuals who have a bona fide religious belief that prohibits them from wearing a helmet while operating a bicycle may be exempt from the helmet law.
To qualify for this exemption, the individual must provide a written statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that explains the nature of their religious belief and how it prevents them from wearing a helmet. The statement must be carried by the individual while operating a bicycle.
Bicycle Safety Course
Another exemption to the helmet law in California is completion of a bicycle safety course. This exemption applies to individuals who are 18 years or older and have completed a bicycle safety course that is approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The course must cover bicycle handling skills, traffic laws, and rules of the road. The exemption is valid for four years from the date of completion of the course.
Comparative Negligence
Finally, the helmet law in California may not apply in cases of comparative negligence. Comparative negligence means that if a cyclist is involved in an accident and is found to be partially at fault, the damages awarded to them may be reduced.
However, if the cyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, their damages may not be reduced solely because of their failure to wear a helmet.
Note that these exemptions apply only to the helmet law in California and do not exempt individuals from other laws related to bicycle safety.
Additionally, local ordinances may vary, so it is important to check with local authorities to determine if there are any additional requirements or exemptions in your area.
FAQS
Can I ride my bicycle without a helmet?
The laws regarding wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle vary depending on the country, state, or municipality. In some places, it is mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, while in others it is not required by law.
However, regardless of the legal requirements, it is highly recommended to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of head injury in the event of an accident.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent.
So, while it may be legal to ride a bicycle without a helmet in some places, it is strongly recommended to wear one for your own safety.
What happens if you don’t wear a helmet in California?
In California, the law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, or rollerblades. Failure to comply with this law can result in a fine of up to $25 for the first offense.
For adults over the age of 18, California law does not require them to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, but it is strongly recommended. However, if an adult is riding an electric bicycle, they are required to wear a helmet.
Note that wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of head injury in the event of an accident, regardless of age or legal requirements. So, while it may not be required by law for adults in California to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, it is strongly recommended for their own safety.
How much is a no helmet ticket in California?
If you unlawfully ride a motorcycle without a helmet in California, the penalty for the first offense is a fine of up to $250. Subsequent offenses carry higher fines.
However, it is important to note that California law requires all drivers and passengers on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycles to wear a safety helmet, so it is highly recommended to wear a helmet for your own safety.
The law regarding wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle in California only applies to individuals under the age of 18. Adults over the age of 18 are not required by law to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, but it is strongly recommended for their own safety.
Can I have a camera on my helmet in California?
While California law does not explicitly prohibit the use of cameras on motorcycle or bicycle helmets, there are legal considerations to keep in mind. For example, the camera must not obstruct the rider’s vision or the helmet’s ability to protect the rider’s head in case of a crash.
Additionally, if the camera is mounted to the helmet using adhesive or a drilled mount, it could potentially compromise the structural integrity of the helmet, which could be a safety hazard.
Check with local law enforcement or a legal professional to ensure that using a camera on a helmet is legal and safe in your specific situation.
Do you have to wear a helmet on a dirt bike in California?
Yes, in California, all riders and passengers on off-road motorcycles, including dirt bikes, are required by law to wear a helmet. The helmet must be certified by the manufacturer stating that it complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.
In addition to the helmet requirement, riders of off-road motorcycles are also required to wear eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield, unless the motorcycle has a windshield or screen that provides adequate eye protection.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in a fine and may also increase the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident.
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