Staying safe while driving a motorcycle can seem impossible but there are things you can do to be safer -and many of those things are required by law. Read on to learn about California motorcycle laws and regulations and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident.
California has specific safety gear requirements
Believe it or not, California is one of the strictest states in the country when it comes to regulations on motorcycle safety gear. While it may seem that the laws are too specific or too overbearing, remember that they’re there to help motorcyclists stay safe.
First of all, you’re required to wear a helmet anytime you’re driving or riding on a motorcycle. There are no exceptions, including the famous, “I was just running down the street.” Remember that most auto accidents happen within five minutes of home and the same is true of motorcycle accidents. It’s essential that you wear your safety gear at all times.
Helmet speakers are legal but only under certain circumstances
It used to be that if you rode a motorcycle, you were giving up the possibility of listening to music. With new advancements in helmets, this is no longer the case. Today you can pick up helmet speakers relatively affordably and blast down the highway with your favorite tunes. That said, California law requires that you have only one earphone so that you can still hear emergency sirens and other traffic noises.
If your bike is newer than it needs daytime headlights
If your bike was manufactured after 1978, then you must have daytime headlights. This helps you to be visible to others on the road. Eye protection is also advised, to keep your eyes protected, but it is not currently mandatory.
There are other laws about your bike
In addition to daytime running lights, your handlebars can’t be more than six inches above the shoulder of the driver when they’re sitting on the bike. Mufflers are mandatory and a number of devices are banned, including cut out and bypass. If you’re going to take a passenger, then you need to have a seat for them as well as a foot rest.
Turn signals are required and every motorcycle is subject to random inspections for safety. Of course, drivers must pass a basic driver skill test in order to drive a motorcycle. Many people believe that radar detectors are illegal but there are no laws limiting their use.
Have you been in a motorcycle accident?
While the above regulations are good options to help you do what you can to be safer, remember that most motorcycle accidents are caused by car drivers. As a result, you must always keep an eye out on everyone on the street. If you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 right away for your free case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your accident.
