Every state in the U.S. has its own laws that pertain to motorcycles and riders. California is no exception. However, California has very specific laws in place governing riders, their actions, and what they can and cannot do. Understanding these laws is the first step toward being a good rider.
A Look at How California Stacks Up Against Other States
Most of California’s motorcycle laws are similar to those of other states. For instance, you’re required to have a headlight on during daytime use (not for off-road riding). However, you’re not required to have eye protection on while riding. Unlike Florida and a few other states, you’re also required to wear a helmet at all times. If you’ve got a wired helmet, you’re limited to just one speaker inside.
A Look at How California Stacks Up Against Other States
Most of California’s motorcycle laws are similar to those of other states. For instance, you’re required to have a headlight on during daytime use (not for off-road riding). However, you’re not required to have eye protection on while riding. Unlike Florida and a few other states, you’re also required to wear a helmet at all times. If you’ve got a wired helmet, you’re limited to just one speaker inside.
California Motorcycle Lane Splitting Law
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One law that’s gotten a lot of heat recently governs “lane splitting”, or the ability of a motorcycle rider to drive between two vehicles in different lanes (effectively splitting the lanes).
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In California, this is legal (unlike some other states). However, there’s a lot of controversy here, and the California Highway Patrol removed all mention of safety guidelines to it from their website and literature in 2014, which is seen by some as a prelude to outlawing the practice (it remains legal as of this writing, though).
California Motorcycle Handlebar Height
You’ll find that California has a lot to say about the handlebar height on a motorcycle as well. If you’re thinking about installing “ape hangers” on your bike, you might want to think again, depending on the height in question. According to California law, “a person shall not drive a two-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than six inches above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat”.
California has a significant number of laws regarding motorcycles and trailers. For instance, if you’re pulling a trailer, you’re not allowed to exceed 55 mph and you must remain in the right lane. The only exception to that is if you’re on an interstate or another four-lane highway, where you’re limited to the two right lanes. Finally, motorcycles pulling trailers are not allowed in carpool lanes at all.
Finally, California motorcycle laws also focus on passenger safety. If you’re carrying a passenger on your bike, you must have both a passenger seat and passenger foot pegs.
By understanding these laws and regulations, you not only ensure compliance with California law, but make yourself a safer rider at the same time.
If you were in a car or motorcycle accident in Los Angeles or Southern California, please contact JustInjury Accident Lawyers @ (877) 687-1752 for an immediate free case analysis.
Finally, California motorcycle laws also focus on passenger safety. If you’re carrying a passenger on your bike, you must have both a passenger seat and passenger foot pegs.
By understanding these laws and regulations, you not only ensure compliance with California law, but make yourself a safer rider at the same time.
If you were in a car or motorcycle accident in Los Angeles or Southern California, please contact JustInjury Accident Lawyers @ (877) 687-1752 for an immediate free case analysis.
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