Understanding Bicycle Helmet Laws in California
Understanding Bicycle Helmet Laws in California
Bicycle helmets save lives. Unfortunately, many individuals choose not to wear a bicycle helmet when they head out for some riding. This can be deadly. According to the National Safety Council, approximately one-third of all non-fatal bicycle injuries are head injuries. Data also shows that most of the 80,000 bicycle-related head injuries treated in emergency rooms every year are brain injuries. Understanding bicycle helmet laws in California can help you protect yourself on the road.
Below, our Riverside bicycle accident lawyer explains California bike helmet laws and how helmet use (or lack thereof) might impact your injury claim if you’re involved in a crash.
Key Takeaways about California Bicycle Helmet Laws
- California law mandates that any person under 18 years of age must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle on a public street, path, or trail.
- Individuals 18 years of age and older are not legally required by state law to wear a helmet while bicycling.
- Failure to wear a helmet, especially for a minor, can result in a fine and may influence the outcome of a personal injury claim.
- Safety standards, such as those from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), are important indicators of a helmet’s quality and effectiveness.
California Bicycle Helmet Basics
Up front, the bicycle helmet law for California is fairly straightforward:
- Any bicyclist 18 years of age or older is not required to wear a helmet when riding.
- Any bicyclist under the age of 18 is required to wear a bicycle helmet when riding. The fine for a minor not wearing a bicycle helmet when required to do so is $25.
Statistically, bicycle helmets save lives and prevent injuries when they are worn. There really is no denying that fact. However, the debate about whether bicycle helmets should be mandatory will rage within the cycling community anytime you bring up the topic. Many individuals want the freedom to choose whether or not they wear a helmet. In California, bicyclists have the right to choose, so long as they are 18 years of age or older – though unlike motorcycle helmet laws, which apply universally, bicycle helmet requirements vary based on age.
For those under the age of 18, the law is fairly clear that they should wear an approved and properly fitted bicycle helmet. This includes individuals operating the bicycle as well as those who are passengers on a bicycle who are under 18. The law applies to those on bike paths, streets, or any other public bicycle trail or path.
The law does not apply to bicyclists under the age of 18 on private property. If a crash occurs, wearing a helmet can influence how compensation for a bicycle accident is evaluated—especially when insurers try to argue that a lack of helmet use contributed to the injury.
Choosing the Right Bicycle Helmet
Regardless of whether or not California law requires individuals to wear helmets, we strongly encourage every bicyclist to purchase and use a helmet every time they ride. This should not be a “novelty” helmet. This should be a helmet that is tested and approved by safety officials. Understanding and following California bicycle laws is also essential—not just for your safety, but to strengthen your position if you’re ever involved in a crash.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals should look for helmets that say “U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certified.” Some bicycle helmets may also have labels that say they are certified by ASTM, Snell, or ANSI, and these are also acceptable.
When selecting a helmet, individuals should ensure it is a good fit for their head. A bicycle helmet should fit snugly all around, with no spaces between the foam and the rider’s head, according to the CDC. In other words, a helmet should not be wobbly. This is particularly important for children, as adults often buy children helmets with the idea that they will “grow into them.”
The side straps on a helmet should make a “V” shape under and a little bit in front of the rider’s ears, and the chinstrap should be centered under the rider’s chin and fit snugly when strapped into place. Helmets should not obstruct a person’s vision at all when they fit properly.
On the off chance that you are injured on a bicycle, please reach out to our Riverside personal injury lawyer to look at your case.
Bicycle Helmet Laws in California FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions people have about bicycle safety and helmet regulations in our state.
Do California’s helmet laws also apply to e-bikes, electric scooters, and skateboards?
Yes, the helmet rules can vary by the type of device and the rider’s age. For electric bicycles, operators and passengers of any age must wear a helmet if riding a Class-3 e-bike (which has a top assisted speed of 28 mph). For Class-1 and Class-2 e-bikes, the under-18 rule applies. For motorized scooters, riders under 18 must wear a helmet, while adults are not required to unless a local ordinance states otherwise.
Can I still receive compensation if I was not wearing a helmet during a bicycle accident?
Even if you were not wearing a helmet, you might still be able to recover compensation if another party’s negligence caused your accident. California follows a “comparative negligence” rule. This means that a court may decide you were partially responsible for the severity of your own head injuries for not wearing a helmet, which could reduce your total compensation. However, it does not automatically prevent you from filing a claim.
Do cities like Irvine or Anaheim have their own local helmet laws?
While California state law provides a baseline, some municipalities have passed their own local ordinances. For example, some cities require helmets for all riders in specific public parks, such as Irvine’s trail system. It is always a good practice to check the specific municipal codes for any city where you plan to ride, from the busy streets of Santa Ana to the scenic paths in Newport Beach.
How often should a bicycle helmet be replaced?
Most manufacturers and safety organizations recommend replacing a helmet after any impact from a crash, even if there is no visible damage. Additionally, it’s generally advised to replace a helmet every 5 to 10 years due to the natural degradation of materials that can reduce its protective qualities over time.
What other safety equipment is legally required for bicyclists in California?
Beyond helmets, the California Vehicle Code requires bicycles to be equipped with specific safety gear for night riding. This includes:
- A white headlight visible from 300 feet.
- A red rear reflector visible from 500 feet.
- White or yellow reflectors on each pedal or on the rider’s shoes or ankles, visible from 200 feet.
- A white or yellow reflector on each side of the bike’s front and a white or red reflector on each side of the bike’s rear.
These regulations are in place to increase visibility and help prevent accidents, especially in low-light conditions.
Discuss Your Case with a Southern California Bicycle Accident Attorney
If a serious bicycle accident has impacted your life, you deserve to have your story told with clarity and conviction. At Bentley & More LLP, our trial attorneys provide dedicated legal representation to individuals in Newport Beach, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, and across Southern California. We focus on complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, giving each client the personal attention required to build a strong claim.
Our approach is different. We commit our full resources to a select number of serious cases, allowing us to deeply understand the challenges you face and advocate fiercely for your future. This focus on quality and detailed litigation has made us a trusted partner for other law firms. We welcome referrals from fellow attorneys who have difficult or resource-intensive cases that need a dedicated litigation team.
To learn more about your options, you can:
- Tell us your story through a free, no-obligation consultation.
- Understand how we prepare complex injury claims for trial.
- Get clarity on the process of seeking accountability and compensation.
Contact Bentley & More LLP today at (949) 870-3800 or through our online form to schedule your free consultation and let us help you move forward.