Wanderlust World Wanderlust World According to "The History Of" website, the history of the motorcycle helmet begins in 1953 when a University of Southern California professor named Mr. Lombard patented a padded helmet he designed specifically for motorcycle riders. After this, the government recognized that officers riding motorcycles were in need of a safety measure. So in 1958, California required highway patrol officers that rode motorcycles to wear helmets. In 1966, a motorcycle helmet law was in place in California and 46 other states.
For motorcycles driven on city streets and freeways, a helmet is required by law to be worn by any riders. A single earphone is the only type of helmet speaker allowed on this vehicle as well. Although a helmet is required, there is no requirement for eye protection; however, it is helpful to have eye protection if you are traveling at high speeds.
Off-road motorcycles have different helmet laws in California than motorcycles made to be driven on roads. A helmet is only required on off-road all-terrain vehicles and is not enforced for other off-road motorcycles, unless the vehicle is being ridden on state or federal land.
If you are stopped for not wearing a motorcycle helmet, the officer will likely ask you to sign a notice of your commitment to correct the violation. The officer can also fine you. Fines may range from $10 to $250.
The purpose of the California motorcycle helmet law is to limit the damage that can be caused by major accidents, including death. The risk of death is decreased by 37 percent when wearing a motorcycle helmet, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.