I'm taking a trip from S Arizona all the way through California to Washington State next month. What's the skinny on CA helmet laws as far as strictness and what's the punishment for being caught riding Au Natural? Is it an ignore it ticket if you don't live there, or is it serious enough for them to impound your ride, etc?
No helmet law in AZ.
Hope I'm asking in the right forum.
Thanks,

 

Better bring a dot helmet!!

 

It gets confusing. But your best bet is just to wear a DOT lid and be done with it.

I wear a novelty helmet most of the time and have never been hassled. Mostly because the law about the "type" of helmet has been challenged many times and is still up in the air - sort of. But, the law does clearly state that a "helmet" must be worn.

my $0.02

.............. Jim

 

No helmet at all will definitely cause you to be stopped and cited. Depending on cop and time of day your bike could also be towed/impounded if you cannot secure a helmet immediately.