San Diego’s scenic highways and mild climate make it an ideal place for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, riding a motorcycle in California comes with strict laws and regulations designed to protect motorcyclists and other road users. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, understanding these laws can help you stay safe and avoid costly fines or legal trouble.
Here’s a breakdown of key motorcycle laws and regulations in San Diego, including helmet laws, licensing requirements, lane-sharing rules, and safety regulations.
California has one of the strictest helmet laws in the country. Under California Vehicle Code (CVC) 27803, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet at all times while riding.
Failing to wear a helmet is considered a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can stop you and issue a ticket for not complying.
Yes. In California, riders must obtain a motorcycle license (M1 or M2 endorsement) to legally operate a motorcycle.
Riders under 18 must complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course before obtaining a license.
California is the only U.S. state where lane-splitting is explicitly legal. Lane-splitting refers to riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) advises motorcyclists to lane-split at speeds no more than 10-15 mph faster than surrounding traffic for safety.
California law mandates that motorcycles must meet specific safety and equipment standards to be road-legal.
Failure to comply with these equipment laws can result in citations and fines.
Yes, but there are rules. If you carry a passenger on your motorcycle, you must:
Passengers must be able to hold on to the rider or handlebars safely—small children who cannot do so should not be passengers.
Motorcyclists are subject to the same DUI laws as drivers of other motor vehicles.
A DUI conviction can result in:
DUI-related motorcycle crashes often result in severe or fatal injuries, making it crucial to never ride impaired.
California law requires all motorcyclists to carry insurance with at least the following minimum liability coverage:
(California Insurance Code §11580.1b.)
Since motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, basic coverage may not be enough to cover medical bills, lost wages, and damages. Consider uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to protect yourself in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.
Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. If you were injured due to a negligent driver, dangerous road conditions, or a defective motorcycle part, you deserve justice.
At Hulburt Law, our founding attorneys, Conor and Leslie Hulburt, have a proven track record of fighting for injured motorcyclists. We hold negligent parties accountable because The Truth Demands Justice. You can learn more at San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorney.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait. Contact Hulburt Law today for a free case evaluation—we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Simply fill out the form or call 619.821.0500 to receive a free case review. We’ll evaluate what happened, your injuries, and potential defendants to determine how we can best help you.