Motorcycle rides can be some of the best ways to explore California. It is common for motorcyclists to invite their children to join them on their bikes and enjoy the open roads and highways throughout the state.
When riding on a motorcycle, however, it is critical to be safe and follow applicable traffic laws. Although there is no age limit to ride on the back of a motorcycle, California does have strict safety requirements for child passengers.
There are no laws in California that restrict the age of motorcycle passengers. However, the state does require that each passenger on a motorcycle has his or her own seat and footrests. Additionally, the passenger’s feet must be able to reach these footrests.
California law requires that a child be at least four feet and eight inches tall to ride in a motor vehicle without a safety seat. This height requirement also applies to riding on the back of a motorcycle.
In many cases, young children do not meet these size requirements and are not legally allowed to ride on the back of a motorcycle. Older children may be able to ride a motorcycle safely, as long as they have the proper safety equipment.
California law requires that every motorcycle rider and passenger wear a helmet. Motorcycle helmets can drastically reduce the risk of a fatality or a serious traumatic brain injury during an accident.
If a child is riding on a motorcycle, he or she must have a helmet that properly fits his or her head and complies with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet can result in a $250 fine and other penalties, like probation.
When a motorcyclist has a child riding on his or her bike, he or she will need to take proper precautions to ensure the child’s safety. In addition to ensuring that the child has a helmet and meet the size requirements, the motorcyclist may also need to install restraint system to prevent the child from falling off the bike.
The child must also need to be dressed in proper motorcycle equipment. Protective gloves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a thick jacket can protect a child from the elements during a motorcycle ride.
Motorcycle accidents happen more frequently than we may believe, even to safe and cautious motorcyclists. If you or your child were injured in a collision, you can feel scared and overwhelmed. In these situations, it is important to seek the help of a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer.
If someone else was responsible for your accident, you could file a lawsuit or insurance claim and recover a settlement to pay for your medical care, property damage, and more. A lawyer can help you navigate your claim and work tirelessly to secure the compensation that you and your child deserves. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident to learn more about your legal options and plan your next steps.
