To choose a safe, legal motorcycle helmet in California, begin with a helmet certified by its manufacturer as meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, confirm that it fits your head shape and size securely, and select the greatest coverage you will wear correctly on every ride. California requires both operators and passengers to wear a compliant, properly fastened helmet.
Style matters less than certification, fit, condition, and consistent use. A fashionable helmet that shifts, has been damaged, or is only a “novelty” product may not provide the protection a rider expects.
What does California law require?
California Vehicle Code section 27803 requires a driver and any passenger to wear a safety helmet while riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle on a highway. The helmet must meet the requirements established under California law, be fastened with its straps, and fit securely without excessive lateral or vertical movement.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 establishes minimum performance requirements for motorcycle helmets. Compliant street helmets generally display a DOT certification symbol on the back and required labeling inside. The DOT symbol represents the manufacturer’s certification; it is not a government preapproval of each individual helmet.
What helmet styles are available?
Full-face helmet
A full-face helmet covers the head and includes a fixed chin bar. It generally provides the broadest coverage of the common street-helmet designs and can also protect the face from wind, debris, insects, and weather. Ventilation, visibility, weight, eyeglass clearance, and compatibility with communication equipment should be checked before purchase.
Modular or flip-up helmet
A modular helmet resembles a full-face helmet but allows the chin bar to rotate upward. It can be convenient for communication and short stops. Riders should verify the manufacturer’s instructions about whether the helmet is approved for riding with the chin bar raised. Hinges and latching mechanisms add complexity, so inspect them regularly.
Open-face or three-quarter helmet
An open-face helmet covers the top, back, and sides of the head but lacks a fixed chin bar. It offers more airflow and openness but leaves the face and jaw more exposed. A face shield can help with debris but is not the same as a structural chin bar.
Half helmet
A half helmet provides less coverage. Some products resembling half helmets are novelty helmets that do not comply with FMVSS No. 218. Riders should check the labeling, construction, weight, inner liner, and seller’s description carefully rather than relying on appearance.
How should a motorcycle helmet fit?
Measure around the widest part of your head and use the manufacturer’s size chart as a starting point. Different brands and models fit different head shapes, so the same labeled size may feel very different.
A new helmet should feel evenly snug without creating sharp pressure points. With the strap fastened, the helmet should not roll off or move excessively when you shake your head or try to rotate it. Your cheeks may feel compressed in a full-face helmet, but you should not experience pain, numbness, impaired vision, or difficulty fastening the retention system.
Wear the helmet in the store long enough to identify pressure points. Confirm that you can operate the visor and vents with gloves, see clearly in a riding position, and use prescription glasses if needed.
How can I identify a potentially unsafe novelty helmet?
NHTSA warns that novelty helmets are unsafe and should not be used for motorcycle riding. Warning signs may include:
- No DOT certification symbol or required interior labeling.
- A very thin shell and little or no energy-absorbing liner.
- Unusually low weight.
- Decorative spikes or rigid projections that do not appear necessary for operation.
- Marketing language stating that the item is a costume, novelty, or not intended as protective equipment.
- A retention strap or hardware that appears weak or poorly attached.
Counterfeit certification labels exist. Purchase from a reputable seller, research the manufacturer, and check NHTSA enforcement or recall information when concerns arise.
When should I replace a helmet?
Follow the helmet manufacturer’s replacement instructions. Replace a helmet after a significant impact or crash even when the outer shell looks intact; the energy-absorbing liner can be damaged without an obvious exterior crack. Replacement may also be appropriate because of age, degraded materials, a damaged strap or buckle, compressed interior padding that creates a loose fit, chemical exposure, or an applicable recall.
Do not buy a used helmet unless its complete history and condition can be reliably established. Paint, adhesives, cleaners, drilling, or mounted accessories can damage the shell or liner if the manufacturer has not approved them.
What should I do with my helmet after a crash?
If an injury claim may follow, preserve the helmet rather than returning it, discarding it, or allowing an insurer to take possession without documentation. Photograph all sides, the visor, chin bar, straps, interior, certification labels, model and manufacture information, and visible impact areas.
Store it in a safe, dry location without cleaning or altering it. Also preserve riding clothing, gloves, boots, camera mounts, communication devices, and any detached pieces. These items may help qualified professionals understand the impact sequence and the protection provided.
Common helmet-selection mistakes
Common mistakes include buying by appearance alone, selecting a loose helmet for comfort, assuming every DOT sticker is genuine, using a bicycle or novelty helmet on a motorcycle, purchasing a used helmet with an unknown history, and continuing to use a helmet after a crash.
Another mistake is choosing equipment that is so uncomfortable that it will not be worn consistently. Fit should be evaluated carefully before purchase rather than solved by moving to an unsafe size.
Frequently asked questions
Are passengers required to wear helmets in California?
Yes. California’s helmet law applies to both the driver and passenger.
Is a DOT sticker enough to prove a helmet is safe?
It is an important certification marking, but counterfeit labels exist and condition still matters. Check the full labeling, construction, manufacturer, fit, and recall history.
Is a full-face helmet legally required?
No. California law does not require a particular style, but the helmet must comply with applicable safety requirements, fit securely, and be properly fastened. Coverage and protection differ among styles.
Speak with a Northern California motorcycle-injury attorney
If you were injured in a motorcycle collision, preserve your helmet and other riding gear before repairs or disposal occur. The Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley can evaluate how the crash happened, what evidence should be protected, and what California deadlines apply. Call 530-413-0245 or contact the firm online.