There are some of the finest motorcycle rides in the United States found in California, with coastal roads and mountain passes offering distinct scenery and enjoyment. But with riding, there are associated risks. In order to stay safe and legal, a proper understanding of the distinct rules of the road is necessary. Understanding the key California Motorcycle Laws is important not only to avoid getting tickets but to keep yourself safe and stand up for your rights in case of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
This article contains a summary of significant California regulations riders should understand in 2025. There is a mention of licensing requirements, the need for helmet riding, the practice of lane splitting, passenger riders, equipment need, and recently changed insurance minimums. Having knowledge of each of these California Motorcycle Law elements is essential for all riders.
Getting Licensed to Ride in California
You can’t just hop on any motorcycle and ride legally in California. You need proper endorsement of your license from the DMV.
M1 vs. M2 Licenses
California issues two main types of motorcycle licenses:
- Class M1: This license allows you to ride any two-wheeled motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized scooter. It also covers all vehicles allowed under Class M2. This is the most prevalent license that most motorcyclists need..
- Class M2: It is more limited. It permits operation of motorized bicycles (mopeds) or motorized scooters only. Some call vehicles with engines under 149cc, but contact the DMV for individual vehicle types.
Interestingly, a standard Class C driver’s license allows you to operate a motorcycle with a sidecar in tow, a trike, or a motorized scooter.
Requirements
Getting your M1 or M2 endorsement is a process involving several steps:
- Age: You must be 16 years of age or older.
- Under 21: If you are under the age of 21, first get an instruction permit and hold it for at least six months. You‘re also required to pass a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) basic rider course authorized by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
- 21 and Older: If you are 21 and over, you have a couple of options. You can successfully complete the CMSP rider course, basic or take and pass the DMV’s motorcycle skills driving test. You do not have to take the permit first if you take the skills test pathway, but we highly recommend the CMSP course for safety reasons and, in most cases, waive the skills test.
- All Applicants: Whatever path you’re on and no matter your age, you must primarily pass a written knowledge test regarding motorcycle law and safety, pass a vision test, show ID and residency proof, and pay application fees due at the DMV. According to the California DMV, completing these steps correctly is necessary for legal operation.
Helmet Law: A Non-Negotiable Rule
This is one of the most significant California Motorcycle Laws. California has a universal helmet law. This requires all motorcycle drivers and all motorcycle passengers on motor-driven cycles and motorized bicycles to wear a safety helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.
- Mandatory for Everyone: No exemptions for any age. Old timer or new passenger, by law (California Vehicle Code § 27803), you must wear a helmet.
- DOT Compliance: The helmet must be in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Look for the “DOT” sticker on the back, but also note critical features: a thick inner liner (often polystyrene foam), riveted hard chin straps, and weighing about three pounds. Novelty helmets that are not certified are illegal and unsafe.
- Proper Wear: Proper wear, according to law, is having a helmet fastened securely on your head with the straps pulled snugly. A loose helmet or one that isn’t strapped will offer little protection.
- Exception: The law creates a limited exception for operators and passengers in certain fully enclosed three-wheeled vehicles that comply with specified size and weight requirements.
Failure to wear a DOT-approved helmet may result in a traffic ticket and fines. More importantly, it greatly increases the risk of serious head injury or death in a crash.
Lane Splitting: Legal, But Use Caution
California is alone among the states in that it legally permits “lane splitting.” California Vehicle Code § 21658.1 defines it as riding a two-wheeled motorcycle between two lines of fixed or moving traffic in the same lane. It is done on most roads, including freeways.
But because it’s legal doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always safe. The law allows lane splitting only when a rider can split lanes safely. Lane splitting recklessly could lead to a charge of reckless driving. While the law itself does not set speed limits for splitting, safety guidelines are necessary. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), which develops educational guidelines, riders should exercise extreme caution. Safe lane splitting involves considering:
- Speed Differential: Don’t split lanes much more quickly than everyone else on the road (a general rule is not faster than 10 mph faster).
- Overall Traffic Speed: Splitting is safer when traffic is driving slowly (e.g., 30-40 mph or slower) or is stopped. Splitting at high speeds is extremely dangerous.
- Environment: Lane width, size of nearby cars (don’t split next to a large truck), weather, and road conditions.
- Visibility: Be visible to other drivers. Don’t be in blind spots. Bright clothing.
- Rider Skill: Lane splitting takes skill and good sense. Inexperienced riders should not do it.
Notably, it is against the law for drivers of cars or trucks to knowingly block or obstruct a motorcyclist who is legally and safely splitting lanes.
Passengers and Equipment Requirements
Ride-sharing requires compliance with some regulations. Other equipment requirements also enhance safety and legality.
Carrying Passengers
You can carry a passenger only if your motorcycle has special provisions for carrying passengers. That involves having:
- A special seat securely mounted behind the main driver’s seat.
- Footrests are specifically designed for the passenger.
- Both passenger and rider require DOT-approved helmets.
In addition, the motorcycle rider should be skilled enough to know how to operate the bike with the added load and changed balance. California does not have a minimum passenger age but requires that the passenger must be tall enough to reach the passenger footrests naturally (usually calculated as similar to the minimum to be above a car seat, around 4’9″).
Essential Equipment
Your motorcycle itself must possess some equipment requirements under California Motorcycle Laws:
- Headlight: Required, and must be used at night and often recommended in the daytime (required daytime use for motorcycles produced after 1978).
- Taillight & Brake Light: Must be functional.
- Mirrors: At least one mirror is required; it is typically recommended to have both left and right.
- Handlebars: May not be placed more than six inches above the shoulder height of the rider when seated.
- Turn Signals: Mandatory on motorcycles produced after January 1, 1973.
- Exhaust: Must meet noise standards (usually quoted at 80 decibels) and anti-tampering legislation.
- License Plate: Must be easily readable and securely attached.
Regularly inspecting your equipment makes you both safe and compliant.
Insurance Mandates: The New 2025 Minimums
Just as with automobile motorists, California motorcyclists must carry liability insurance (or a suitable substitute like a bond). Notably, the minimum levels of coverage increased significantly on January 1, 2025, by way of SB 1107:
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death to one person per accident
- $60,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident
- $15,000 for property damage per accident
These are the minimum amounts you must carry in order to drive legally. Nevertheless, given the severity of motorcycle crash injuries and the cost of medical care, these amounts can be exhausted very quickly. Experts strongly recommend carrying much higher liability amounts if you can afford it. Consider purchasing Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to cover yourself if you’re hit by someone with little or no coverage. You must carry proof of insurance on the road.
Staying Safe and Knowing Your Rights After a Crash
Adhering to California Motorcycle Laws is fundamental to safe riding.Coupled with the law itself, defensive motorcycle riding techniques, wearing safety and visibility gear (on top of the helmet), sobriety, and continuous training significantly reduce risks.
Regrettably, even safe motorcyclists may be the victims of accidents caused by reckless automobile or truck drivers. Familiar problems include drivers not noticing motorcyclists (visibility bias) or blaming riders unjustly. In the event of an accident, knowledge of the law serves to ensure your rights are protected. For example, knowing that lane splitting is permissible can counter unjust fault claims.
How KAASS LAW Helps Injured Motorcyclists
Motorcycle accidents have a high likelihood of resulting in serious injury since the motorcyclist is not shielded as a passenger in an automobile. Coping with the ensuing chaos—negotiating with insurance companies, determining fault, and obtaining a fair settlement—can be thoroughly intimidating. At KAASS LAW, our attorneys are aware of the unique physics and biases involved in motorcycle accident cases.
We are the representatives of injured cyclists in Personal Injury cases throughout California. We apply our knowledge of California Motorcycle Laws and accident reconstruction principles to establish liability and secure the complete recovery our clients require for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, as well as future needs. If you were injured by a negligent motorist on a bike, please Contact Us for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
Conclusion
Riding a motorcycle in California offers freedom and excitement, but it comes with responsibilities. Following California Motorcycle Laws regarding licensing, helmets, passengers, gear, and insurance, as well as knowing special regulations like lane splitting laws, is essential to your safety and to being legal. Knowing your rights as well as how to drive safely allows you to enjoy the open road more. And if the worst happens due to another’s negligence, remember that experienced legal help is available to protect your interests.
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