Bicycle helmet laws vary from state to state — and sometimes even from one county to the next.
In California, children age 17 and younger are required to wear an approved helmet at all times while on a bicycle. This applies regardless of whether the child is the sole occupant of the bicycle or is riding as a passenger. The same rule applies to motorized scooters, roller skates, and skateboards.
While California state law does not require adult cyclists (ages 18 and up) to wear a helmet while bicycling, some local communities do have such a requirement.
In fact, several California communities actively issue tickets to adults who bike without a helmet — even to nonresidents who are simply visiting or passing through.
Whether the law requires it or not, you should always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most common bicycle injuries, and studies have consistently shown that wearing an approved helmet can significantly reduce the risks of catastrophic injury and death.
While it is illegal to sell unapproved or noncompliant helmets in California, some older or deficient helmets do make their way into the second-hand market. Always confirm that your helmet meets state-issued safety standards and fits securely on the cyclist’s head.