Skip to Content
Law Office of Daniel Horowitz Law Office of Daniel Horowitz
Call Us Today! 925-291-5388
Top

What Rules of the Road Apply to Motorcycles

Indian motorcycle engine closeup

What Rules of the Road are Written for Motorcycles?

California has several rules of the road that apply specifically to motorcycles, designed to ensure safety and accommodate their unique characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of key regulations that motorcyclists must follow:

  1. Motorcycle License Requirement
    To operate a motorcycle legally, you must have a valid Class M1 or M2 license. The M1 license allows you to ride any two-wheeled motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized scooter, while the M2 is limited to motorized bicycles, mopeds, or scooters. Riders under 21 must complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course and hold a permit for six months before getting a license. Those over 21 can skip the permit but must still pass a skills test or complete the CMSP course.
  2. Helmet Law
    All motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet at all times. The helmet must fit securely and meet federal safety standards. This is mandatory under California Vehicle Code Section 27803, and non-compliance can result in fines.
  3. Lane Splitting
    California is the only U.S. state where lane splitting—riding between rows of stopped or slow-moving vehicles in the same lane—is explicitly legal (Vehicle Code Section 21658.1). However, it must be done safely. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recommends splitting only when traffic is moving at 30 mph or less and advises riders not to exceed the surrounding traffic speed by more than 10 mph. Riding on the shoulder is not considered lane splitting and is illegal.
  4. Equipment Requirements
    Motorcycles must be equipped with specific gear:
    • Mirrors: Both left and right rearview mirrors are required (Vehicle Code Section 26709).
    • Headlights: At least one headlight must be on at all times, even during daylight (Vehicle Code Section 25650). It must illuminate objects at least 300 feet ahead at speeds over 35 mph.
    • Turn Signals: Required on bikes built after 1972 (Vehicle Code Section 24951).
    • Exhaust Noise: Motorcycles made after 1985 must not exceed 80 decibels (Vehicle Code Section 27202).
    • Handlebars: Grips must not be more than 6 inches above the rider’s shoulder height when seated (Vehicle Code Section 27801).
  5. Passenger Rules
    Passengers must have a dedicated seat and footrests behind the driver. Their feet must reach the footrests while the bike is in motion. Children under 4’9” (typically requiring a car safety seat) are generally not allowed to ride as passengers due to safety concerns.
  6. Insurance Minimums
    Motorcyclists must carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. Proof of insurance is required for registration and operation.
  7. Freeway and Night Restrictions for Permits
    If you have a motorcycle learner’s permit, you cannot ride on freeways, at night (dusk to dawn), or with passengers. These restrictions lift once you obtain a full M1 or M2 license.                             

If you are a motorcyclist struck by a car or truck the other side will look to see if you violated any of these rules and then attempt to blame the accident (at least in part) on you.  Don't let them get away with this.  Even if you violated these rules you are still entitled to 100% of your losses unless they can show that your violation helped cause the accident.    Our motorcycle injury lawyers are expert in representing motorcyclists and gettting the full value for their claims.

Call Daniel Horowitz for assistance with your motorcycle accident case.