The Motorcycle Helmet
Veh. Code 27803 — every driver and passenger, fastened and fitted
In California, a driver and any passenger must wear a safety helmet meeting the state's requirements when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized bicycle on the highways.
Wearing it means fastened and fitted. Wearing a safety helmet means having one on the head that is fastened with the helmet straps and of a size that fits securely without excessive lateral or vertical movement.
The driver answers for the passenger. It is unlawful to operate a motorcycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a helmet, and unlawful to ride as a passenger if the driver or any passenger is not wearing one.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA helmet on the head is enough | What the law actually doesIt has to be fastened with the straps and fit securely |
| The assumptionOnly the person without a helmet is breaking the law | What the law actually doesThe driver and a passenger both commit the offense |
Licensing, endorsement and equipment rules for motorcycles, and the separate rules for mopeds and electric bicycles, are not on this page. Whether a particular helmet meets the standard, or an exception applies to a particular rider, is a question for a licensed California attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Veh. Code 27803 — Motorcycle safety helmets
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.