3525. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS.
(a) PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR - Except as provided in subsection (d), no person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or a motor driven cycle (other than a motorized pedalcycle) unless he is wearing protective headgear which complies with standards established by the departent.
b) EYE PROTECTION DEVICES - No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he is wearing an eye protective device of a type approved by the department.
c) APPROVAL OF EQUIPMENT - The department may approve or disapprove protective headgear and eye protective devices required under this section and may issue and enforce regulations establishing standards and specifications for the approval of the headgear and devices. The department shall publish lists of all protective headgear and eye protective devices by name and type which have been approved.
d) EXCEPTION - The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to the following:
1) The operator or any occupant of a three wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab.
2) A person 21 years of age or older who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for not less than two full calander years.
3) A person 21 years of age or older who has completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the department or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
4) The passenger of a person exempt under this subsection if the passenger is 21 years of age or older.
These regulations used to regulate that motorcycle "ape hangers" handlebars be no higher than the riders shoulder.
This was a Title 75 (Vehicle Code) violation, and was also reason to fail an annual safety inspection. This law has now been repealed.
An update has been issued to all inspection mechanics and stations in the March update to the inspection code,
informing them of the updated changes in this matter.
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HANDLEBAR HEIGHT LAWS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE CODE AND INSPECTION REGULATIONS.