Although Los Angeles is rightfully known as a car town, it’s also a great city for motorcycle enthusiasts. With scenic routes like the Pacific Coast Highway, the challenges of Decker Canyon Road, and the relaxing ride offered by Malibu Canyon, there’s something for bikers of all skill levels. To make sure that you stay safe on whichever roads you choose, it’s crucial that you follow California helmet law. In this blog, Lerner and Rowe’s Los Angeles motorcycle crash lawyers explain why it’s so important to follow these laws and wear a helmet.
California Helmet Law Defined
Helmet laws for Los Angeles motorcycle drivers and riders are straightforward. As per California Vehicle Code §27803:
- (a) 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.
- (b) It is unlawful to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).
- (c) It is unlawful to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).
Failing to wear a proper helmet while operating or being a passenger is a punishable offense in California. You may be fined up to $250 and face up to one year of probation for not wearing a motorcycle helmet as a driver or a passenger in Los Angeles.
Why Following California Helmet Law Is Crucial to Your Safety
Wearing a properly fitting helmet that meets federal safety standards can make the difference between walking away from a motorcycle collision safely and suffering a life-changing injury. While it’s understandable that some people want to feel the ocean breeze as they’re cruising down California State Route 1, it’s simply not worth the risk.
To help you understand how important it is to follow California helmet law, here are some statistics that illustrate how effective they can be in preventing serious injuries and wrongful death. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Helmets prevented 1,872 motorcycle crash deaths in 2017
- An additional 749 more lives could have been saved if the people involved in 2017 motorcycle accidents wore helmets
- The United States could save $1.5 billion annually in economic costs if all motorcyclists wore helmets
- Motorcycle helmets are hugely effective in preventing motorcycle crash fatalities – 37% and 41% for passengers
- Helmets reduce the chances of head and brain injury by 69%
Considering the numbers above, it’s easy to see why California helmet law is in place for your safety and the safety of your passengers.
Contact a Top Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me
The Los Angeles injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe hope that you found this information on California helmet law useful. Please share it with your motorcycle enthusiast friends to maximize their safety. Unfortunately, some accidents can happen no matter how many precautions you take. Should you get injured in an accident caused by another party then contact our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys for immediate assistance.
You can reach Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys 24/7 by phone at 310-INJURED. You can also send your case information to use through our secure contact form or by chatting with a LiveChat representative. Our experienced attorneys have recovered billions of dollars for injury victims nationwide for more than 30 years. With a proven track record of success, our “no fee promise,” and glowing reviews, it’s easy to see that Lerner and Rowe is the way to go.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.