You get a motorcycle to feel the pull of the open road. The experience is unlike anything you can get in a car. Some people think safety equipment lessens the feeling of wild freedom that comes with riding your motorcycle. However, the reality is that safety gear dramatically reduces your chance of severe, life-altering injuries.
The law is also specific about how people wear helmets. It is not enough to simply put a helmet on the head. The person must fasten the helmet’s straps. Plus, the helmet must be the correct size, without any excess movement. San Mateo’s laws are the same as the state’s helmet laws, and the U.S. DOT motorcycle gear safety standards can provide additional guidance.
Some states allow bikers to forego a helmet if they meet specific requirements. The motorcycle helmet laws in San Mateo do not contain those exceptions. Regardless of training, experience, age, or insurance status, all bikers and passengers must wear protective headgear.
The only exception to the rule is for people on or in fully enclosed three-wheel vehicles. This exception does not apply to the vehicles commonly known as trikes — essentially motorcycles with three wheels instead of two. They are not fully enclosed. Instead, it applies to vehicles people describe as autocycles, a designation that indicates the vehicle is fully enclosed.
If a person is unsure whether helmet laws will apply to their vehicle, they should consult an attorney. The lawyer can investigate whether the state considers that type of vehicle a motorcycle.
Wearing a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet reduces the chances of death and head injuries. They are superior to non-compliant helmets because they are thicker and with better padding, providing more cushioning in an accident. While they may be offered in the same stores, compliant helmets will feature a certification sticker.
If a biker is not a fan of the way helmets look, they can always personalize them. Using stick-on accessories will not alter how the helmet functions or violate San Mateo motorcycle safety laws. This allows bikers to express their individuality while still tripling their odds of survival in a wreck.
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