California Bicycle Helmet Ticket: Consequences & How to Respond

In the state of California, riding a bicycle without a helmet is a violation of the state's Vehicle Code. While it is considered a non-moving violation and does not carry the potential for jail time, there are still consequences associated with ignoring a citation.

Fine

The fine for a violation is typically around $100, but it can vary depending on the county and court where the violation is processed.

Court Appearance

If you fail to pay the fine or take the required steps to resolve the ticket, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest and require you to appear in court.

License Suspension

Although ignoring a citation for not wearing a helmet does not directly result in license suspension, it can lead to other consequences that could impact your driving privileges. For example, if you accumulate multiple citations for various traffic violations, including helmet violations, it could lead to a license suspension.

Impact on Insurance Rates

Getting caught riding a bike without a helmet can result in points being added to your driving record. This can potentially lead to higher insurance rates when renewing your auto insurance policy.

It is important to take any citation you receive seriously, regardless of whether it seems insignificant. Ignoring citations can have serious consequences that go beyond the initial fine, so it's always best to address them promptly and appropriately.