Explanation to Consumer
Explanation to a Consumer
Reading Level: 12
The following is intended for: Individuals living in the state of California that own a motorcycle are of 18 years of age or older, and who meet specific state requirements.
Do you own a motorcycle and ever wondered if you could get away with not wearing your helmet? The safety policy of requiring a safety helmet for motorcyclists and passengers has been a big controversial issue in California since it was made law in 1992. On February 22, 2005, a new bill was introduced that, if passed, would amend the current law (section 27803 of the vehicle code) to allow riders meeting certain requirements to not wear a safety helmet. This new policy could affect the potential safety of motorcyclists throughout the state of California and could possibly continue to set the precedent in which other states could follow.
This bill, that was reviewed this past February, was introduced to the California Legislative Counsel by senators Ducheny and Morrow and was coauthored by assembly member Canciamilla. SB 969 was amended on April the 12th to read as the following:
Existing law requires a driver and any passenger to wear a safety helmet meeting certain requirements when riding on a motorcycle,
motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.
This bill would exempt from this requirement a specified
driver who is 18 years of age or older and either has completed a motorcycle rider training program or has been issued a class M1 license or endorsement, or a comparable license or endorsement from another jurisdiction, for 2 years or more and has proof of current medical insurance on ...