According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, in 2011, forty-six hundred people died in motorcycle accidents in the United States, highlighting a 217% increase from 1997.

US Department of Transportation states, Motorcycles constitute less than 3 % of all registered vehicles in the United States, yet they account for 14 % of all traffic-related causalities.

However, only 20 states oblige motorcyclists to put on helmets. Twenty-seven other states only require a particular age of groups to wear helmets, and three states have no helmet laws at all.

History of Helmet Law in California

Back in 1992, California became one of a few states to entail motorcycle riders to put on a helmet. While several states enforce a helmet law on children and teenagers, but California’s law mandates helmet use for every motorcycle rider beyond age factor.

It did not take too long to witness the fruitful results of the helmet law in California, right after one year; the number of motorcycle fatalities reported in the state had dropped by an astounding 37.5 percent.

In addition, after implementation of the helmet law in California, an estimated 92 to 122 fatalities were prevented, and significantly reduced by 26.5%. 

Without a doubt; helmet law in California considerably cuts the rate of motorcycle crash mortalities and the number of head injuries.

States with Helmet Laws

Unfortunately, there is no federal law in the United States for bikers or motorcyclists to wear helmets. This is the reason for a mix of laws and regulations regarding helmets across all 50 states.

To be noted, currently, only 19 states and Washington D.C. have universal helmet laws.

In the United States, motorcycle helmet laws are categorized in four ways mentioned below:

Check out the list of states, which has a Universal helmet law:

• Alabama
• California
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington D.C.
• Washington
• West Virginia

Here is the list of states requires helmets for riders under 21:

• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah

See the list of states oblige helmets for riders under 18:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Maine
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

States without Helmet Laws

• Illinois
• Iowa
• New Hampshire

Helmet Law in California

California is one of only 19 states that implement helmet law on all operators of motorcycles to wear safety helmets that fulfill federal safety standards. 

Plus, California is one of the Universal Helmet Law States, which requires the wearing of motorcycle helmets by all rider and passengers.

California Bicycle Helmet Law 2020

Every day, thousands of bicyclists hit the pavements and streets alone in California. It is no secret; helmets can be helpful in avoiding severe head and brain injuries.

However, safety isn’t the only reason to wear a bicycle helmet in California; it’s also part of the helmet law.

California Vehicle Code, Article No 4, states that no one below 18 years allowed riding a bicycle on a bikeway, street, or any other public path or trail, until and unless he or she wears a helmet that fits correctly, fastens fittingly, and obeys the safety standards.

Mandatory Helmet Law in California

The mandatory helmet law in California, as inscribed in Vehicle Code Section 27803, states that it is illegal to ride a motorcycle, motorbike, or motorized bicycle, without wearing a safety helmet.

In addition, the code sections state that it is unlawful for both rider and passenger to ride wearing no helmet.

Besides, the helmet law in California imposed on not only motorcyclists but also include all motorized bikes & bicycles.

This helmet law helps to guarantee that anyone who is susceptible to suffering a disastrous or fatal injury is protected.

Types of Helmet Required Under Helmet Law California

According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, any helmet must meet the following requirements:

• Thick Comfort Liner

The Liner must feature at least an inch thickness and construct with polystyrene foam.

• Riveted Chin Straps

The chin straps of the standard helmet must feature a sturdy and tough design and equip with solid rivets for a strong grip.

• Weight

Helmets meeting federal safety standards typically weigh at least three pounds.

• Design

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard states a helmet must feature a smooth design and does not allow anything protrudes more than two-tenths of an inch from the outer shell.

Purpose of Helmet Laws

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration analyzed all motorcycle accidents that occurred in the last 10-years and found helmets saved the lives of 7400 people & another 6300 people died because they didn’t wear a helmet.

So, the sole purpose of wearing a helmet is to ensure safety while riding and prevent a giant loss of one’s life.

Be sure to put on a helmet before you set off on any journey or riding for your ultimate safety and protection.

Legal Penalties to Infringe the Helmet Law in California

According to the California Vehicle Code Section 27803, law enforcement officers have the right to charge an individual with an equipment violation –a $10 fine with proof of correction.

If the officer were to follow the CHP’s course of action, you could face up to $250 in penalties and one year of probation.

Be a law-abiding citizen, must wear a motorcycle helmet in California to avoid any penalties and ultimately protect yourself from damage.

5 Most Essential Things You Need To Know About Helmet Law in California 2020

• Recognized
  Safety Standards

To help defend the lives of motorbike riders, the U.S. Department of Transportation obliges that all motorcycle helmets vender in the United States meets Vehicle Safety Standard.

These standards define minimum levels of performance that helmets must meet to protect the head and brain in the event of a crash.

Approved Safety Standards:

• DOT: Standards set on by the United States Department of Transportation.
• ECE: Standards determined by the Economic Commission for Europe, any helmet must meet the current FMVSS 218 standard.
• SNELL: Standard determined by the Snell Memorial Foundation, the current standard is SNELL M2015 for street helmets & SA2015 for a racing helmet.
• SHARP: It is relatively a newcomer to the safety games intended to enhance ECE 22.05 standard.

• Mandatory Stickers & Labels

According to the helmet laws, your helmet should have an AS1698 CAB sticker on the exterior.

And UNCE 22.05 Standard requires a label sewn on the chin strap or comfort liner.

• Are
  Tinted Visors & Goggles Legal?

When it comes to tinted visors, the AS1698 Standard allows tinting up to 50-85% VLT, and UNECE 22.05 allow tinting up to 50-80% VLT.

On the other hand, Goggles are legal, which are specifically designed for use with goggles. Plus, if they are non-tinted, there is no problem at all. 

• Must
  Be Done Chin Strap

Rules and regulations state chin strap must be securely attached to maximize damage in any impact.

Traffic police fined riders for not having the chin strap securely & properly don up.

• Can
  I Wear a European Helmet?

Yes, you can wear a European Helmet. European Standard or UNECE 22.05 approved helmets are legalized in all states and territories across the United States.