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California Motorcycle Laws are Different

Motorcyclists enjoy a certain freedom on the road that automobile drivers don’t get to experience. However, they also have a greater risk of being seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. In an effort to protect motorcyclists, California motorcycle law has a few exceptions that are different than other states. For example, in California, you must wear a helmet and you are allowed to share lanes.

Motorcycle Helmets are Mandatory in California
If you are operating a motorcycle, you are required by law to wear a helmet. The law states that “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.” The motorcycle helmet has to be approved, meaning it meets established requirements. Passengers also have to wear helmets while riding on motorcycles. You can be fined for not wearing a helmet in California. The law doesn’t require other protective gear.

Why are motorcycle helmets so important? Researchers have found that the odds of suffering a fatal injury decrease by 37 percent when wearing a motorcycle helmet. A study by the University of Southern California discovered that wearing a helmet was the single most important factor in surviving motorcycle crashes.

Lane Sharing is Allowed
One of the other interesting elements of California motorcycle law, is that lane sharing is allowed. Lane sharing basically means that a motorcyclist can drive in between vehicles that are in a lane. Many motorcycle riders view lane sharing as too risky, but if you do it prudently, it can be a safe driving maneuver. Lane sharing can actually be safer than sitting behind vehicles that are stopped in traffic. The risk of being rear-ended is high when a motorcyclist is parked on the highway in traffic. Lane sharing, if done cautiously, can reduce this risk.

If you have been injured in a Southern California motorcycle accident, contact an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney at Steinberg & Spencer at 1-800-350-8888 for a free case evaluation. We represent injured clients in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, San Diego County and throughout California.

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