California Motorcycle Requirements and Safety Equipment Laws
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in California. The State of California has set motorcycle laws and regulations that help in reducing the number of motorcycle accidents.
Generally, the laws which apply to other vehicles on the roadway also apply to motorcycle riders. However, California also has specific motorcycle laws that drivers and riders are supposed to be aware of at any time.
A motorcycle license is not the same as the license of a typical driver in California. A new rider should first get a learner’s permit and riders less than 21 years of age should hold a learner’s permit for at least half a year before applying for the license. The licensing exam includes a skill test, an eye test, and a knowledge test that covers the California Motorcycle handbook. Also, riders less than 21 years of age should pass a California Motorcyclist Safety Program.
Before getting on the road, motorcyclists should also carry a minimum level of insurance. The California motorcycle minimum requirements are $5,000 for the property damage, $15,000 for bodily injury to an individual, and $30,000 for bodily injury per accident in cases where there is more than one victim. A rider’s license can be suspended for up to one year for failure to carry the minimum levels of insurance.
California motorcycle laws contain several requirements for safety equipment as well as other gear which riders are required to wear on the road. Riders must wear helmets at all times, and the helmets should meet specific safety requirements. Each motorcycle should have the left and right mirrors, and working front and rear turn signals.
California motorcycle laws allow lane splitting for the motorcycles. Lane splitting is whereby the rider maneuvers between two traffic lanes to get around vehicles. Additional protection for those motorcyclists using lane splitting includes rules which prohibit the other drivers from driving too slow affecting normal traffic flow or leave the doors open unless reasonably safe to do so and will not block the traffic. California laws also allow lane sharing, where two motorcyclists can ride side by side in the same lane of traffic.
California motorcycle laws compliance by the motorcyclists and drivers ensures that the road is safer for everyone.
