Blocking a motorcyclist from lane splitting when traffic is slowed or stopped is illegal in California. Lane splitting is legal in California as long as the traffic through which the motorcyclist is traveling is going significantly slower than the speed limit due to congestion or is stopped. Lane sharing is when two motorcyclists ride side by side in the same lane of traffic. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist moves in between lanes of stopped or slowed traffic (also referred to as “riding the white line”). Riding Laws: Lane Splitting and Lane Sharing Penalties for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle in the state of California include up to a $250 fine and up to a year of probation. Passengers are also required to wear helmets when traveling on a motorcycle. In the state of California, for all motorcycle riders, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet. In general, motorcycle helmets reduce the overall number of motorcycle rider deaths and also reduce the number of traumatic brain injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents.

Helmet and safety laws are very important for keeping riders safe and preventing rider deaths. When holding a motorcycle permit, riders are allowed to ride alone, but may not travel on a motorcycle on the freeway or after dark.īefore being issued a license, all holders of motorcycle permits in California must also pass a skills examination, which is usually conducted on a slow-speed closed-course in the parking lot of the DMV. There are many California motorcycle permit practice exams available online for free.Ī motorcycle permit is valid for six months in California. The California motorcycle permit exam is shorter than the driver’s exam for a regular driver’s license, but it is still an exam for which the applicant should study diligently. Additionally, California motorcycle license applicants who are under the age of 21 must hold a learner’s permit for a minimum of 6 months.Īll California motorcycle license applicants, regardless of age, are required to take the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course, pass the vision exam, pass the written permit exam, present a valid California driver’s license or I.D., and provide a thumbprint. Motorcycle license holders must be at least 16 years old by the date they apply for their motorcycle license. Requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license in CaliforniaĬalifornia law requires that motorcycle permit holders must be at least 15 and ½ years old. We also work with motorcycle advocacy groups like ABATE and assist in lobbying efforts in Sacramento to prevent motorcycle discrimination and protect motorcyclist’s rights. As a service to our fellow riders, we monitor new legislation and case law that affects motorcyclists, and report on these new laws here. We may be motorcycle accident attorneys, but we are motorcyclists first. California Motorcycle Laws: What You Need To Know

California motorcycle driving test