Riding a motorcycle through California can offer a great sense of freedom and connection to the state’s diverse landscape. However, this exhilarating experience comes with responsibilities and legal requirements that every motorcyclist must understand and adhere to. California’s motorcycle laws, from license and insurance requirements to helmet laws, are designed to protect motorcyclists and ensure the safety of other road users.
California Motorcycle Permit Requirements
In California, obtaining a motorcycle permit is the first step for individuals who want to legally ride a motorcycle. The requirements include:
Age: Must be at least 15 ½ years old.
Driver Education and Driver Training Course: Applicants between 15 ½ and 17 ½ years of age must have completed a Driver Education and Driver Training course.
Motorcycle Safety Course: Applicants between 15 ½ and 21 years must have completed a California Motorcycle Safety Program course.
Driver’s License Application: Applicants must complete a California driver’s license application.
Knowledge Test: Applicants must pass a written knowledge test and correctly answer a certain number of questions (usually 21 out of 25). The test covers California motorcycle laws and regulations, traffic laws, and safe riding practices.
California Motorcycle Permit Restrictions
Motorcycle laws in California require permit holders to adhere to specific restrictions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. These include:
- Permit holders are not allowed to carry passengers on their motorcycles.
- Permit holders are restricted to riding only during daylight hours.
- Permit holders are not permitted to ride on freeways.
- Permit holders are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet.
- If the permit holder is under 21, they must hold the permit for at least six months before they can apply for a motorcycle license. They should also complete a California Highway Patrol (CHP) approved motorcycle training course before obtaining their license.
California Motorcycle License Requirements
California issues two types of motorcycle licenses – Class M1 and Class M2.
- A Class M1 motorcycle license allows the operation of any two-wheeled motorcycle and all the vehicles listed under the M2 license.
- A Class M2 motorcycle license allows the operation of motorized bicycles, mopeds, and motorized scooters.
The requirements for obtaining a valid California motorcycle license include:
Age: Must be at least 16 years old.
Permit: Riders under 21 must hold a motorcycle permit for six months before they can apply for the M1 license. To obtain a permit, applicants must pass a written test on California motorcycle laws and regulations.
Training: Riders under 21 must complete a California Highway Patrol (CHP) approved motorcycle training course. Riders 21 or older are not required to take the training course but are encouraged to do so.
Written Test: All applicants must pass a written knowledge test covering California motorcycle regulations and safe riding practices.
Skills Test: Applicants must pass a motorcycle skills test, which can be waived if they have completed an approved motorcycle training course.
Vision Test: A vision test is required to ensure the applicant can see adequately to operate a motorcycle safely.
Helmet Laws for Motorcycle Riders in California
California’s helmet laws require all motorcycle riders and passengers – regardless of their age – to wear a helmet at all times. The helmet must meet the following criteria:
DOT Compliance: All motorcycle helmets must be certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and have a DOT sticker indicating compliance with federal safety standards.
Proper Fit: Helmets must fit snugly and securely and should cover the forehead.
Full Coverage: Although not required, full-face motorcycle helmets are recommended, as they cover the entire face and head and provide the highest level of protection.
Retention System: Helmets must have a proper chin strap and retention system.
Motorcycle Safety Features Required Under California Law
Mirrors: All motorcycles must have left and right mirrors, one of which must provide a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.
Headlights: Must have at least one headlight that must be on at all times while riding.
Taillights and Brake Lights: Must have a taillight and brake light that are visible from at least 500 feet to the rear.
Turn Signals: Required on all motorcycles manufactured after January 1, 1973.
Exhaust System: Must be properly maintained and meet noise regulations.
Horn: Must be audible from at least 200 feet.
Passenger Requirements: Motorcycles carrying passengers must have a passenger seat and footrests.
You can find more information about motorcycle laws in California and safe riding guidelines in the California Motorcycle Handbook.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in California
Liability insurance is one of the most important aspects of California motorbike legal requirements. The minimum liability insurance requirements for motorcyclists are:
- $15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person per accident.
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person per accident.
- $5,000 for property damage per accident.
Apart from liability insurance, which is mandatory under California law, there are several optional coverages available for motorcyclists for greater protection. These include:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: It provides financial compensation if you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who has insufficient or no insurance.
Collision Coverage: It pays for the damage to your motorcycle resulting from a collision – regardless of who is at fault.
Comprehensive Coverage: It covers non-collision related damage to your motorcycle such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
Medical Payments Coverage: It pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers in an accident.
Accessory Coverage: It compensates for the repair or replacement of custom parts, accessories, and gear damaged or lost in an accident.
Lane Splitting Guidelines for Motorcyclists in California
Lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Here are the guidelines for lane splitting provided by the California Highway Patrol.
Speed: You should not ride more than 10 mph faster than the traffic flow.
Traffic Speed: It is safer to split lanes in traffic moving at 30 mph or less. Lane splitting at higher speeds is not advisable.
Lane Selection: The safest place to split lanes is between the far-left lanes (for example, between the No. 1 and No. 2 lanes). Lane splitting between lanes next to the curb or shoulder is not advisable.
Lane Sharing with Motor Vehicles: Lane sharing with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles is generally not recommended, due to the limited space available for motorcyclists to maneuver their bike.
Rider Skill: Only experienced motorcyclists should attempt lane splitting.
Weather Conditions: Lane splitting should be avoided in poor weather conditions.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California
Motorist Negligence
Driver negligence is one of the biggest contributing factors to motorcycle accidents in California. The most common forms of driver negligence that can lead to motorcycle accidents include right of way violations, excessive speeding, distracted driving, making unsafe lane changes and turns without checking for motorcyclists, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Road Hazards
Poorly maintained roads with large potholes and cracks can pose significant risks to motorcyclists. Debris such as rocks, fallen branches, and litter can also cause motorcyclists to skid or lose traction.
Weather Conditions
Rain can cause the road surface to become wet and slippery, reducing traction and increasing the risk of losing control. Fog can severely reduce visibility, making it difficult for motorcyclists to see the road ahead. Similarly, strong winds can destabilize motorcycles – especially when riding at high speed or passing large vehicles.
The Risk of Serious Injuries is Higher in Motorcycle Crashes Than Car Accidents
The risk of serious and fatal injuries is significantly higher in motorcycle accidents than car accidents primarily because motorcycles do not have protective features like seat belts, airbags, or a metal frame to absorb impact. This leaves motorcyclists exposed to direct contact with other vehicles and stationary objects.
Moreover, motorcycles are, by design, less stable than cars, which greatly increases the risk of losing control. Due to these factors, even minor collisions can be devastating for motorcyclists and motorized bicycle riders. This is why serious and fatal injuries are more common in motorcycle accidents compared to car accidents.
Steps to Take after a Motorcycle Accident in California
- Move to a safe location if possible to prevent further accidents. Turn off your motorcycle to reduce the risk of fire.
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
- Call 911, report the accident, and request immediate medical assistance if needed.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage to your motorcycle and other personal items, and traffic signals and nearby landmarks. Take photos of your injuries as well.
- If there are any witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.
- Exchange insurance, vehicle, and contact information with other parties involved in the accident. Do not apologize to them or argue with them.
- Even if your injuries seem minor, seek immediate medical evaluation to make sure there are no underlying issues. Keep detailed records of your medical treatment.
- Contact an experienced California personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to seek compensation from the at-fault parties.
Why Legal Representation is Important in California Motorcycle Accident Claims
When it comes to motorcycle accident claims, the importance of a qualified California motorcycle accident lawyer cannot be overstated. One of the reasons is that insurance companies are often biased against motorcyclists, perceiving them as reckless thrill seekers. This prejudice can result in unfairly low settlement offers even if your injuries are serious.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can counter any allegations of negligence or recklessness on your part by presenting a strong, evidence-based case. They can prove your driving behavior followed the California motorcycle handbook guidelines. Your lawyer’s legal expertise, negotiation skills and litigation experience can level the playing field for you and significantly improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Our California Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Will Fight For Your Rights
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? At The Law Offices of Rosenstock and Azran, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face and are dedicated to fighting for your rights. Our top-rated California motorcycle accident lawyers know how to take on insurance companies, prove liability of the defendants, and recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. With more than 80 years of combined legal experience and a 99% success rate, we are best equipped to handle your claim.
Call us today at 818-805-0422 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a California motorcycle accident attorney at our firm.