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California Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Restricted: In California, every motorcycle driver and passenger must wear a safety helmet, regardless of age.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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In California, every motorcycle driver and passenger must wear a safety helmet, regardless of age. See Cal. Veh. Code 27803.

Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering California

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArizonaConditional
Arizona requires a helmet only for operators and passengers under 18. See Ariz. Rev. Stat. 28-964.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: azleg.gov · Full Arizona rule →
NevadaRestricted
Nevada requires the driver and the passenger to wear protective headgear whenever a motorcycle or moped is driven on a highway. See NRS 486.231.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: leg.state.nv.us · Full Nevada rule →
OregonRestricted
Oregon requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a DOT helmet — one carrying the DOT label. See ORS 814.269.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: oregonlegislature.gov · Full Oregon rule →

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