It is unlawful for a driver of a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle to carry any other person thereon, except on a seat securely fastened to the machine at the rear of the driver and provided with footrests, or in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle and designed for the purpose of carrying a passenger. Every passenger on a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle shall keep his feet on the footrests while such vehicle is in motion.
Other EquipmentMotorcycles
Section § 27800
This law makes it illegal for motorcycle or motorized bicycle drivers to carry passengers unless the passenger has a proper seat with footrests at the back of the driver, or in a specially designed sidecar. Passengers must keep their feet on the footrests while the vehicle is moving.
motorcycle passenger rules motorized bicycle passenger illegal passenger carriage
Section § 27801
This law prohibits riding a motorcycle if the seat is too high for the rider to touch the ground with their feet, or if the handlebars are too high, extending more than six inches above the rider's shoulders while seated.
A person shall not drive a two-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with either of the following:
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 27801(a) A seat so positioned that the driver, when sitting astride the seat, cannot reach the ground with his or her feet.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 27801(b) Handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than six inches above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat.
motorcycle regulations motorcycle seat height handlebar height
Section § 27802
This law allows the department to set rules for motorcycle and motorized bicycle helmets to ensure safety. These helmets must meet federal safety standards, specifically, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218.
Helmets must have labels that show they meet these standards, serving as the manufacturer's promise of compliance.
It also prohibits selling or offering helmets that don't meet the department's rules.
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 27802(a) The department may adopt reasonable regulations establishing specifications and standards for safety helmets offered for sale, or sold, for use by drivers and passengers of motorcycles and motorized bicycles as it determines are necessary for the safety of those drivers and passengers. The regulations shall include, but are not limited to, the requirements imposed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 (49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.218) and may include compliance with that federal standard by incorporation of its requirements by reference. Each helmet sold or offered for sale for use by drivers and passengers of motorcycles and
motorized bicycles shall be conspicuously labeled in accordance with the federal standard which shall constitute the manufacturer’s certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 27802(b) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, for use by a driver or passenger of a motorcycle or motorized bicycle any safety helmet which is not of a type meeting requirements established by the department.
motorcycle safety helmets motorized bicycle helmets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218
Section § 27803
This law requires both drivers and passengers on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycles to wear safety helmets. These helmets must meet specific safety standards, fit properly, and be securely fastened. Riding or driving without a helmet is illegal unless you are in a fully enclosed, weight-specific three-wheeled motor vehicle. The law aims to enhance safety for motorcyclists on public highways.
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 27803(a) A driver and any passenger shall wear a safety helmet meeting requirements established pursuant to Section 27802 when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 27803(b) It is unlawful to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 27803(c) It is unlawful to ride as a passenger on a
motorcycle, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 27803(d) This section applies to persons who are riding on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycles operated on the highways.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 27803(e) For the purposes of this section, “wear a safety helmet” or “wearing a safety helmet” means having a safety helmet meeting the requirements of Section 27802 on the person’s head that is fastened with the helmet straps and that is of a size that fits the wearing person’s head securely without excessive lateral or vertical movement.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 27803(f) This section does not apply to a person operating, or riding as a passenger in, a fully enclosed three-wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than seven feet in length and not less than four feet in
width, and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more, if the vehicle meets or exceeds all of the requirements of this code, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
(g)CA Vehicle Code § 27803(g) In enacting this section, it is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that all persons are provided with an additional safety benefit while operating or riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.
safety helmet requirement motorcycle passengers motor-driven cycle
