Some General Rules Motorcyclists in California Should Know About

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Suzuki motorbike

California’s motorcyclists have to abide by a particular set of road rules to guarantee safety and stay out of legal issues. Riding a motorcycle comes with unique risks and responsibilities. Hence, it is crucial for riders to be aware of the state laws. From lane splitting to helmet requirements, knowing these rules will help riders stay safe on the road.

Traffic laws in Los Angeles

Motorcyclists have a hard time in a busy city like Los Angeles, where heavy traffic is rather common. Following safety rules is particularly crucial as the crowded streets of the city, especially during rush hours, increase the risks for motorcyclists.

Many wounded riders turn to Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers to help them negotiate the legal fallout. The high number of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles has prompted increased awareness about road safety.

Helmet requirements

California legislation requires that all motorcyclists of any age wear helmets. These helmets have to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. Ignoring wearing a helmet could lead to fines and a higher chance of major damage in case of an incident. This law applies to both riders and their passengers and is important for reducing head injuries and deaths in motorcycle accidents.

Lane splitting laws

In California, lane splitting – which allows motorcyclists to ride between traffic lanes – is legal, unlike in most states. This practice must be done carefully though, to prevent accidents. Riders are cautioned to never exceed a speed difference of 10 mph between their bike and the surrounding vehicles.

They are to only split lanes when traffic is slow. Emphasising that motorcyclists should always be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has published guidelines to help guarantee safe lane splitting.

Harley Davidson Motorcycle

Image by Tao Gutekunst from Pixabay

Passenger rules

Although California does not impose an age restriction on motorcycle riders, there are some safety guidelines they have to follow.

  • Every passenger must have separate seats and footrests, which they should use during their trip.
  • Children riding as passengers must be tall enough to reach the footrests, and like the rider, they must wear a helmet.

Motorcycle equipment rules

In California, motorcycles must have specific built-in safety features. These include having left and right mirrors, working turn signals (for motorcycles made after 1973), and exhaust systems compliant with the Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act for bikes manufactured after 2013.

Handlebars shouldn’t be mounted higher than six inches over the rider’s shoulders when seated. Following these equipment rules ensures that motorcycles are roadworthy, and that the possibility of accidents is reduced.

Insurance requirements

In California, motorcyclists are required to carry liability insurance to pay for damages should an accident occur. The basic coverage covers:

  • Property damage at $5,000
  • Injuries to one person at $15,000
  • Injuries to several individuals at $30,000

Riders without sufficient insurance can face fines. In the event of an accident, they could be held financially liable for damages outside the limits of their policy.

Defensive riding

To reduce the risk of accidents, motorcycle riders should always practice defensive riding skills. This implies:

  • Staying out of blind zones
  • Assuming other drivers might not notice them
  • Being ready to react fast should a vehicle abruptly change lanes or stop.

Top image by Melanie from Pixabay

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