Helmet Laws
Bicycle Helmets

In response to the rising numbers of incidents involving juvenile head trauma, the California State Legislature passed a law in January 2003 requiring all individuals under the age of 18 to wear an approved bicycle helmet while riding a bicycle on a roadway (highway), sidewalk, or bike path.

What makes this law unique is that the helmet law (21212a CVC) applies to scooters ("Razors"), rollerblades, roller-skates skateboards, as well as electric and motorized scooters ("Go-Peds"). However, with motorized scooters, ALL riders, regardless of age, must wear a helmet. To comply with the law, helmets must be securely fastened, with straps connected.  It should be noted that a person must be 16 years of age in order to ride a motorized scooter and as of January 2005, must also posses a California driver’s license. 

Children issued citations for helmet law violations should receive a courtesy notice in the mail from the court within two to three weeks, listing a fine amount. The fine can be as much as $86 or more.  It is the child’s responsibility to inform their parents of their having received a citation, in the event that a notice is not received via mail.  A choice of paying the fine via mail, or making a court appearance is offered.  Parents electing to appear in court with their child should bring a working helmet with them.  If it is a child’s first offense, and he or she testifies under oath that it is their first offense, the citation can be dismissed.

The Irvine Police Department’s Traffic Unit is genuinely concerned regarding the safety of the children in our community, and encourages parents to communicate the importance of responsible riding.

Motorcycle Helmets

27803(b) /  27803(c) CVC requires all drivers and passengers riding a motorcycle to wear a DOT  helmet. The use of a "novelty" helmet is a violation of the vehicle code and a rider and/or passenger may be cited and fined approximately $86. The "novelty" helmet may be seized as evidence under the CA constitution and presented as evidence in court.