MOTORCYCLE CRASHES IN CALIFORNIA: KNOW THE LAWS
The number of motorcycle crashes in California has continued to steadily increase as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition to an increasing number of vehicles on the road, driving conditions and negligent drivers are contributing to the problem. For this reason, it is critical that motorcycle riders know and understand the laws of their state. Below is a quick summary of California’s motorcycle laws.
- Helmet: required by law
- Eye protection: not required
- Helmet speakers: single earphone only
- Daytime use of headlights: required by law
- Turn signals: required by law
- Safety inspections: required by law at random
- Lane sharing: In California, motorcycles may drive between cars but must take reasonable care when doing so. Motorcycles may not drive on shoulders. Also, two motorcycles may share a lane.
- Maximum speed: 70 mph in rural areas; 65 mph in urban areas
- Blood alcohol limit (over 21): .08
- State insurance requirement: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits) (15/30/5) - Financial responsibility is required. A driver involved in an accident who fails to prove existence of financial responsibility at the time of the accident shall have his or her driver's license suspended for 1 year
The official California Motorcycle Handbook, published by the CA Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), is available online at: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/dl665mcycle.pdf
In addition, motorbike owners in California should consider enrolling in the Basic Rider Course. This course is offered as part of the official California Motorcyclist Safety Program administered by the California Highway Patrol. Upon successful completion, riders will receive a waiver for the skills test portion and need only to pass the written test to obtain their motorcycle license from the DMV. Information on this course can be found online at: http://www.ca-msp.org/
If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash in the state of California and need legal assistance, please call a motorcycle accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). Your initial interview is completely free of charge and can be the first step towards recovery of your legal rights.
