Section 21212(A) of the California Vehicle Code States:
A person under 18 years of
age shall not operate a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard,
nor shall they wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a
non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street,
bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or
any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a
properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of
either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United
States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently
established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who
rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the
bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.
What this means?
If you ride a bike, non-motorized scooter, or skateboard and you are under 18 years old, it is a violation of the California Vehicle Code for you to ride on any public street, highway, bike path, or trail without wearing a properly fitting and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of the above listed agencies.
If you wear in-line skates or roller skates and are under 18 years old, it is a violation of the California Vehicle Code to for you to skate on any public street, highway, bike path, or trail without wearing a properly fitting and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of the above listed agencies.
If you are a passenger on a bike, non-motorized scooter, or skateboard and you are under 18 years old, it is a violation of the California Vehicle Code for you to ride on any public street, highway, bike path, or trail without wearing a properly fitting and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of the above listed agencies. (This also includes persons who ride upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed behind the bicycle.
For further information bicycle laws or the California Vehicle Code please visit the DMV website at www.dmv.ca.gov.