California motorcycle helmet Laws 

The California state motorcycle helmet usage laws state that all riders must wear a safety helmet that is compliant with U.S. DOT motorcycle safety standards. 

As per the California state motorcycle law, all motorcyclists are required to wear a safety helmet, irrespective of their age. This includes both drivers and passengers. The helmet must meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) motorcycle safety standards. It should be certified by the manufacturer as compliant with the U.S. 

DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. The helmet should be fastened using its straps. It should have a secure fit with not too much vertical or lateral movement. The motorcycle manual by the Department of Motor Vehicles of the State of California also states that a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet can reduce the severity and number of head injuries by 50%.

California motorcycle helmet laws established in 1991 that took effect on January 1, 1992, mandating all motorcycle drivers and riders to wear a helmet. California is indeed the 26th state to enact a helmet rule that applies to all riders without exception.

Helmet rules have indeed been enacted because helmets minimise head wounds and the risk of getting died in a car accident by 32 to 73 percent. Because these restrictions are subject to change, it’s recommended to double-check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles or a related department before driving a vehicle upon that state’s roads.

California motorcycle helmet laws are subject to change as state helmet laws across the USA are periodically revised. Click here to check for any changes to California motorcycle helmet laws, as this is the best California state government source for motorcycle helmet laws and regulations we know of. 

If you know of a better online government resource for California motorcycle helmet law information, please use the “Contact Us” link at the top of the page and we’ll be happy to include your resource.