California Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
There is a requirement of motorcycle insurance with a compulsory liability of:
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $15,000
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $30,000
- Property Damage Liability Limit: $5,000
When looking for insurance quotes in California, you may want to begin by looking at our review of insurance companies or get more detailed information on motorcycle insurance companies from the state regulator's website. You can see the full list of licensed insurers in the state plus get many other useful resources including information on how to file a complaint by visiting the state insurance division web site.
Licensing and Registration
To apply for your motorcycle license in California, you must first obtain a learner's permit at the DMV. If you are under 21, you must complete a motorcycle rider training course given by the California Highway Patrol and provide a certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training to DMV to be issued your license. You will not be required to take the motorcycle driving test at DMV if you currently have a California Drivers License. If you are over 21, you may either choose to complete the course by CHP and provide the certificate OR schedule an appointment at DMV to take the driving test.
Please visit these California websites for updated and detailed information
Helmet Laws
Helmets must be in all riders possession when riding in CA. A helmet meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, self-certified by the manufacturer and displaying a 'DOT' emblem must be worn by all riders of motorcycles. We strongly advocate the use of helmets at all times for all riders and passengers to protect from injuries.
Use our specialized search to find California motorcycle resources
Motorcycle Safety Schools and Training Programs
Many states offer motorcycle safety training programs and most insurance companies will offer discounts to bikers that have completed a certified course.
The CMSP is California’s official motorcycle safety and training program administered by the California Highway Patrol.
CMSP offers the Basic RiderCourse for beginning motorcyclists and an Experienced RiderCourse Suite for riders who are interested in improving their skills. CMSP expects to train 40,000 motorcyclists per year and operates over 50 training sites throughout California.
State Agency Responsible for Motorcycle Safety Program:
California Highway Patrol
2555 First Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95818
Below is a partial list of The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Safety courses in California. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
Accidents and Safety in California
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 741,027 motorcycles registered in California with only 537 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| CA | 741.027 | 537 | 88% | 12% | 30% |
| OR | 102.287 | 43 | 98% | 2% | 35% |
| NV | 64.733 | 59 | 75% | 25% | 42% |
| AZ | 133.586 | 133 | 49% | 51% | 32% |
Sweet Rides in California
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Arroyo Seco Historic Parkway - Route 110
- Death Valley Scenic Byway
- Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway
- Route 1 - Big Sur Coast Highway
- Route 1 - San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway
- Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road
- Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
- Ancient Bristlecone Scenic Byway (Route 168)
- Angeles Crest Scenic Byway (Route 2)
- Barrel Springs Back Country Byway
- Bigfoot Scenic Byway
- Bradshaw Trail
- Buckhorn Back Country Byway
- Carson Pass Highway (Route 88)
- Chimney Peak Back Country Byway
- Emigrant Trail
- Feather River Scenic Byway
- Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway (Route 33)
- Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
- Lassen Scenic Byway
- Lee Vining Canyon Scenic Byway
- Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway
- Pacific Coast Highway - California's Route 1
- Palms to Pines Scenic Byway
- Parker Dam Road
- Ramona Expressway
- Rim of the World Scenic Byway
- Route 101--Redwood Highway
- Route 116--Sonoma County
- Route 125--Lemon Grove
- Route 12--Valley of the Moon Highway
- Route 140--Mariposa County
- Route 151--Shasta Dam Boulevard
- Route 152--Pacheco Pass Road
- Route 154--San Marcos Pass Road
- Route 156--Monterey County
- Route 160--River Road
- Route 163--Cabrillo Freeway
- Route 24--Alameda County
- Route 280--Father Junipero Serra Freeway
- Route 35--Skyline Boulevard
- Route 395--Inyo County
- Route 395--Mono County
- Route 50--El Dorado County
- Route 580--MacArthur Freeway
- Route 62--Twentynine Palms Highway
- Route 680--Alameda County
- Route 680--Contra Costa County
- Route 68--Monterey County
- Route 75--San Diego-Coronado Bridge and Silver Strand Highway
- Route 78--Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Road
- Route 89--Monitor Pass & Luther Pass Highways & Lake Tahoe Road
- Route 91--Riverside Freeway
- Route 9--Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
- Routes 5 & 580--West Side Freeway
- Saline Valley Road Back Country Byway
- Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway (Route 168)
- Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
- Smith River Scenic Byway
- State of Jefferson Scenic Byway
- Sunrise Scenic Byway
- Trinity Heritage Scenic Byway
- Trinity Scenic Byway
- Wild Horse Canyon Scenic Backcountry Byway
- Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway
Biking Clubs
- Iron Brotherhood M/C
- Southern California Vulcans
- The Guardians L.E.M.C. - California
- Sisters of Scota WMC
- HARLEYS ANGELS SMC~MOTHER CHAPTER
- Lone Wolf Riders
- Disciples of Freedom MC
- Singhayz Riderz MC
- POW-MIA Riders VMC
- Sacred Bones - Lone Riders - Int.
- IronRidinDames,Inc.
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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