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California Motorcycle Laws Every Biker Should Be Familiar With

Motorcycle laws vary by state and it is up to every rider to know the laws in the states in which they are riding. In California, there are stricter motorcycle laws compared to other states. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we are sure to stay up to date on these laws to ensure we can represent our clients involved in motorcycle accidents.

Read on to learn about the basic motorcycle laws in California. If you are involved in an accident, please contact our offices at 909-982-0707 right away for a free legal consultation. We are here to help you find the best way forward after an accident.

You are required to wear certain pieces of safety gear

As we mentioned above, California has some of the strictest motorcycle laws in the country and this is true of safety gear as well. These laws are in place to help reduce the number of motorcycle accidents and to reduce the seriousness of the accidents that do happen. Wearing the right safety gear can mean the difference between a fatal accident and a broken bone.

California requires that anyone on a motorcycle has a helmet on at all times – including passengers. Helmet speakers are allowed but they can only contain a single earphone to ensure the driver has one ear available. Any motorcycle manufactured in or after 1979 must have daytime headlights. While eye protection is not required by law, we do recommend it for decreasing the danger in an accident.

Your motorcycle must meet certain criteria

The state has also passed laws regarding how bikes are built and outfitted. The law states that motorcycle handlebars cannot be more than six inches above the shoulders of the driver when the driver is sitting on the motorcycle. Every motorcycle must have a muffler. They are prohibited from cut out, bypass, or any similar device.

In the event a biker is going to transport a passenger, not only must that passenger wear a helmet, but the bike must have a passenger seat and foot rest. Every motorcycle must have turn signals. Motorcycles can have radar detectors and there are no restrictions on this. A motorcycle license is required to drive a motorcycle and every bike is subject to random safety inspections.

Motorcycle insurance requirements

Bikers must also have a minimum amount of insurance coverage. This includes $5,000 for property damage and $15,000 in bodily injury per person injured, with a total of at least $30,000 for all injured parties in a motorcycle accident.

Not following these laws could reduce your ability to collect a personal injury award

A biker who does not follow these rules and is involved in an accident may have their potential damages reduced. This is because the insurance company can argue that the accident would not have happened or would have not had the same costs if the biker had followed the laws. For example, if they were not wearing a helmet and sustained significant brain damage, it would likely be argued that the brain damage was not the result of the accident itself but rather the lack of a helmet.

For this and other reasons it is essential for anyone involved in a motorcycle accident to work with a personal injury attorney. Call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation.