I am taking a trip to California in a few weeks and had a question about the helmet law enforcement. I currently live in Washington where helmets are required. However, police are NOT allowed to pull you over on the sole basis of wearing a novelty helmet. If you get pulled over for speeding, you might also get a ticket for novelty helmet, but that can't be the only ticket. Does California strictly enforce DOT policy?

Anybody have experience or stories on this subject for California. I will be riding from Palm Springs to LA.

 

I,ve never had a problem.

 

I've only heard of them issuing tickets if you are already pulled over for something else. Extra loud pipes will subject you to pull over in some L.A. communities however.

 

I once read a post on a forum that the LEOs in the City of Long Beach would stop you for a non-DOT helmet, but this is second hand information only.

 

I agree with the others. Live and ride in SoCal and I have yet to have a problem.

 

Just remember, with out-of-stae tags, you have a big ol' target painted on you!

 

Palm Springs is cracking down on loud pipes as well, so watch out. Its only a 2 hour ride, I doubt much could happen in 2 hours.

 

the only place in the bay area that I know of that they will pull you over for a novelty helmet is niles a suburb of fremont and mostly on weekends

 

Seatbelts are a primary violation in CAL. The motorcycle helmet is the (law enforcement) equivalent of an occupant restraint system in a passenger vehicle, therefore I would say you most likely could be pulled over just for the helmet. BUT it all depends and how things are enforced in all of the little and big jurisdictions you cruise through, most likey youll never get stopped but dont be shocked if ya do. Let us know how it turns out.

 

If the helmet even looks close to a regular DOT they will not bother you! why? because they can't prove its not DOT...and they will leave you alone.

I have been riding in So Cali sense 1977 and have never been pulled over for anything.

Hope that helps? Have a nice Ride!