California Helmet Law - SXS

[gqchris]

Has anyone ever actually been stopped and ticketed before in California for not wearing a helmet in their Side by Side? I know its a death wish in Glamis to do it. But where I ride off in Stoddard Wells, I have never even seen a ranger in 4 years! I'm getting quite tired of the different helmet setups and have gone to just wearing my headsets when taking putts and not going all out on speed runs.

Just love to hear everyone else thoughts or setups? Looking forward to the ride next month to Alamo so I can wear whatever the hell I want. LOL...

 

[Bpracing1127]

Wondering the same thing for places like Johnson valley ect.

Alamo is gonna be a awesome trip!

 

[gqchris]

Wondering the same thing for places like Johnson valley ect.

Alamo is gonna be a awesome trip!

Yea I do alot of riding there as well. Never have seen a Ranger. But I am sure I have jinxed myself now! LOL

 

[HB2Havasu]

You obviously have never been in a SxS that has rolled? It’s a violent event! Even if the cage holds up, you Will smack your melon against the B Pillar Tubing in a rollover. Don’t ask me how I know, lol.

 

[Gelcoater]

Has anyone ever actually been stopped and ticketed before in California for not wearing a helmet in their Side by Side? I know its a death wish in Glamis to do it. But where I ride off in Stoddard Wells, I have never even seen a ranger in 4 years! I'm getting quite tired of the different helmet setups and have gone to just wearing my headsets when taking putts and not going all out on speed runs.

Just love to hear everyone else thoughts or setups? Looking forward to the ride next month to Alamo so I can wear whatever the hell I want. LOL...

I’ve never seen a ranger at Stoddard but have seen county sheriff out there, a couple of different times.

 

[EPL]

We have been riding sxs's all over the areas around Stoddard , Jaw Bone , Dove Springs , Cal City and never had a problem !!

 

[Bpracing1127]

We have been riding sxs's all over the areas around Stoddard , Jaw Bone , Dove Springs , Cal City and never had a problem !!

With or without a helmet?

 

[gqchris]

You obviously have never been in a SxS that has rolled? It’s a violent event! Even if the cage holds up, you Will smack your melon against the B Pillar Tubing in a rollover. Don’t ask me how I know, lol.

Ive been in a low speed rollover. I understand the risks involved.

 

[Wbinder]

I’ve noticed a lot of sxs running on the road on the California side of the river. Anyone have any problems yet doing this? Anyone drive over the dam or the bridge in theirs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[thmterry]

Yes I have seen someone get a ticket for no helmet in Dove Springs. It is one of those things that is no problem until the cop sees you, kinda like speeding.

 

[Bigbore500r]

I’ve noticed a lot of sxs running on the road on the California side of the river. Anyone have any problems yet doing this? Anyone drive over the dam or the bridge in theirs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I ride the CA side of the river in ours. I haven't crossed the 95 Needles bridge or the bridge @ topock yet, i hear it's a bust if there is a LEO there. Even if AZ plated, still can get busted if on the CA side. As far as the actual riding itself - totally legal to ride the CA side of the river. If you end up on the AZ side of the river, be careful as you get closer to topock. The trails around topock are part of the Topock wildlife preserve and thats a bust.

 

[satellitemike]

I ride the CA side of the river in ours. I haven't crossed the 95 Needles bridge or the bridge @ topock yet, i hear it's a for sure bust if there is a LEO there. Even if AZ plated, still get busted if on the CA side. As far as the actual riding itself - totally legal to ride the CA side of the river. If you end up on the AZ side of the river, be careful as you get closer to topock. The trails around topock are part of the Topock wildlife preserve and thats a bust.

I/we cross the Needles bridge often and we always try to be as responsible as poss when on the paved road for the 300 yards until in AZ. We also cross at the Avi and being as it is Indian land have never had any issues there either.
Never had any issues w LE! Our group never wear helmets and to my knowledge no one in our regular group has ever been stopped for lack of helmets. Knock on wood!!!
We will be out next week if anyone is planning on a ride in the Needles, Fort Mohave, Topock area?

 

[Bigbore500r]

I/we cross the Needles bridge often and we always try to be as responsible as poss when on the paved road for the 300 yards until in AZ. We also cross at the Avi and being as it is Indian land have never had any issues there either.
Never had any issues w LE! Our group never wear helmets and to my knowledge no one in our regular group has ever been stopped for lack of helmets. Knock on wood!!!
We will be out next week if anyone is planning on a ride in the Needles, Fort Mohave, Topock area?

I'd like to follow you guys on some rides, never taken the SXS across the bridge but would like to! Are you going to be out there for new years?

 

[Waffles]

I've seen them roll by twice at Stoddard. Both times were before I had my rhino so I wear mine as a precaution on long rides or big weekends. I make my 3 year old wear one neck brace and all regardless.

Sent from my FRD-L14 using Tapatalk

 

[satellitemike]

I'd like to follow you guys on some rides, never taken the SXS across the bridge but would like to! Are you going to be out there for new years?

Sounds good, we will be out from the 22nd thru the 1st. Probably going to do rides to Oatman, Topock, Christmas tree pass, Eagle pass, Mohave Trail, and a few others.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Sounds good, we will be out from the 22nd thru the 1st. Probably going to do rides to Oatman, Topock, Christmas tree pass, Eagle pass, Mohave Trail, and a few others.

We will be out 12/26 - 1/2. I'll message you as it gets closer sounds cool

 

[DLC]

My buddy rides out in your area - Barstow area and he has 2 helmets he keeps in the car just in case he sees popo. They are just a street bike brain bucket type and fit inside of his duffel bag with his extra stuff jackets and food....

 

[svlperry]

I live in the hi Desert area near Stoddard wells and have seen tops and Rangers pull people over for no helmet and give tickets. I just got one this year in pirates cove by sbcso end it was $186


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[D19]

I was in Cougar Butes 3 weeks ago.

A young couple was out riding around with no helmets on quads.

When we pulled up to the scene, the young woman was unconscious and twitching on the ground and the guy she was with was really shaken up and useless.

It’s a good thing we showed up, we were able to stabilize the girl and get medical attention in the scene. Who knows what would have happened if we hadn’t shown up.

CHP arrived via patrol unit and chopper. They didn’t cite them or the family that rode the quads away without helmets. I think they were more concerned about air lifting her out.

Maybe ticketing is just a Ranger and BLM thing.

 

[Englewood]

Ive succesfully found a way around it. i keep a copy of the vehicle code which specifies what a side x side is. The helmet law is for side x sides less than 1,000 CC. A receipt for a big bore kit and a copy of the code will get you out of having to wear a helmet. However, I just wear one anyways...I don't want to eat jello with a straw the rest of my life.

 

[Bpracing1127]

A big bore kit does not make you exempt from being a sxs FYI

 

[gqchris]

My buddy rides out in your area - Barstow area and he has 2 helmets he keeps in the car just in case he sees popo. They are just a street bike brain bucket type and fit inside of his duffel bag with his extra stuff jackets and food....

Thanks DLC thats a great idea as well.

 

[gqchris]

I live in the hi Desert area near Stoddard wells and have seen tops and Rangers pull people over for no helmet and give tickets. I just got one this year in pirates cove by sbcso end it was $186


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks SVL, thats the type of real life info I was looking for.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I've seen them roll by twice at Stoddard. Both times were before I had my rhino so I wear mine as a precaution on long rides or big weekends. I make my 3 year old wear one neck brace and all regardless.

Sent from my FRD-L14 using Tapatalk

What neck brace? Or just a foam donut?

 

[gqchris]

A big bore kit does not make you exempt from being a sxs FYI

Yup same as I have heard also. I have heard both sides of this. The law regards the ROV's (Sxs's) as exempt from the displacement if they were built as a SXS. But I have also heard guys use this as a way out of the helmet law also and it worked to the "green" rangers. Got to love Cali.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Ive succesfully found a way around it. i keep a copy of the vehicle code which specifies what a side x side is. The helmet law is for side x sides less than 1,000 CC. A receipt for a big bore kit and a copy of the code will get you out of having to wear a helmet. However, I just wear one anyways...I don't want to eat jello with a straw the rest of my life.

Yup same as I have heard also. I have heard both sides of this. The law regards the ROV's (Sxs's) as exempt from the displacement if they were built as a SXS. But I have also heard guys use this as a way out of the helmet law also and it worked to the "green" rangers. Got to love Cali.

Yeah, enforcement of a law and interpretation of a law are 2 different things and it technically isnt the cops job to interpret the law. Thats the court's job.

Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk

 

[EPL]

A big

Ive succesfully found a way around it. i keep a copy of the vehicle code which specifies what a side x side is. The helmet law is for side x sides less than 1,000 CC. A receipt for a big bore kit and a copy of the code will get you out of having to wear a helmet. However, I just wear one anyways...I don't want to eat jello with a straw the rest of my life.

A big bore kits doesn't get you out of a helmet ticket !!!!! A SXS is a SXS and none or manufactured with a motor over 1000 cc so a big bore doesn't chance the law !!!

 

[81eliminator]

Has anyone ever actually been stopped and ticketed before in California for not wearing a helmet in their Side by Side? I know its a death wish in Glamis to do it. But where I ride off in Stoddard Wells, I have never even seen a ranger in 4 years! I'm getting quite tired of the different helmet setups and have gone to just wearing my headsets when taking putts and not going all out on speed runs.

Just love to hear everyone else thoughts or setups? Looking forward to the ride next month to Alamo so I can wear whatever the hell I want. LOL...

I have seen the BLM giving tickets in both areas. this is usually during a D37 motorcycle race when we have to pay them OT to be there.
I wouldn't chance it.

 

[svlperry]

Thanks SVL, thats the type of real life info I was looking for.

I just don’t risk it anymore since I put fresh air in my sxs It’s way nice to have the Fresh air helmet on then to breathe in all the Dust. It’s really dusty up here right now


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Englewood]

A big



A big bore kits doesn't get you out of a helmet ticket !!!!! A SXS is a SXS and none or manufactured with a motor over 1000 cc so a big bore doesn't chance the law !!!

Wanna put your money where your mouth is? Bet me that I haven’t successfully defended this.

 

[Waffles]

What neck brace? Or just a foam donut?

It's an evs neck donut. Not a full brace like a leatt but it fills the void between the helmet and her shoulders perfectly even with her Carhartt or hoodie on. She even goes to sleep with it on and you know riding in the back of a rhino isn't the most pleasant thing lol.

Sent from my FRD-L14 using Tapatalk

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

It's an evs neck donut. Not a full brace like a leatt but it fills the void between the helmet and her shoulders perfectly even with her Carhartt or hoodie on. She even goes to sleep with it on and you know riding in the back of a rhino isn't the most pleasant thing lol. View attachment 701994

Sent from my FRD-L14 using Tapatalk

Good call. I’ll pick one up for my little dude.

 

[Blackmagic94]

Blm Rangers always love to fuck you.

 

[JDub24]

Really guys??? I have been in the dirt my whole life (grew up in 29 Palms) and I have never not worn a helmet when riding/driving any off-road vehicle. I just don’t see the benefits. No one thinks “wow...that guy is cool” when you roll by without a helmet. With the current abilities of these new SXS’s why even risk it. Just like riding a street bike... just because you are confident in your abilities doesn’t mean the young buck isn’t going to plow into head on at 60+ and wreck your day and hurt yourself and/or your family.

Send more time riding and enjoying your short time in the dirt instead of trying to fight the man and waste time and money doing it.

 

[thmterry]

Wanna put your money where your mouth is? Bet me that I haven’t successfully defended this.

Wouldn't your SxS be registered incorrectly if you have over 1000cc? A sxs has to be less then 1000cc or it would be special construction vehicle? I am not sure just asking. I know on a street bike you have to wear a helmet no matter how many cc's.

 

[Waffles]

Ive succesfully found a way around it. i keep a copy of the vehicle code which specifies what a side x side is. The helmet law is for side x sides less than 1,000 CC. A receipt for a big bore kit and a copy of the code will get you out of having to wear a helmet. However, I just wear one anyways...I don't want to eat jello with a straw the rest of my life.

I'm assuming the VC you're referring to applies in AZ.

CA VC is completely different.

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27288

What is an ROV?

An ROV is a Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle and is designed specifically for recreational use rather than construction, farm or other utility use. An ROV is also commonly referred to as a Side-by-Side, a Recreational Utility Vehicle (RUV), or a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV).

CVC Section 500 reads: Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle means a motor vehicle meeting all of the following criteria:
(a) Designed by the manufacturer for operation primarily off of the highway.
(b) Has a steering wheel for steering control.
(c) Has nonstraddle seating provided by the manufacturer for the operator and all passengers.
(d) (1) Has a maximum speed capability of greater than 30 miles per hour.
(2) A vehicle designed by the manufacturer with a maximum speed capability of 30 miles per hour or less but is modified so that it has a maximum speed capability of greater than 30 miles per hour satisfies the criteria set forth in this subdivision.
(e) Has an engine displacement equal to or less than 1,000cc (61 ci).

Single Seat ROVs are not ATVs
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has recognized that some single seat Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (such as the Polaris Ace) are being registered by DMV staff as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). They have submitted a memorandum to all offices defining the differences and mandating that these vehicles be registered in strict compliance with CVC 500 and CVC 111 (See VIN 2016-01).

Do I need to wear a helmet, as well as my passengers, while operating my ROV?

Yes. Effective January 1, 2013, CVC Section 38601 requires all passengers and the operator to wear a safety helmet while operating an ROV. Effective January 1, 2015, this law will apply only on public lands.

Do I need to wear a helmet, as well as my passengers, while operating my sand rail, dune buggy or Jeep off-highway?

Although additional safety precautions are always recommended, CVC Section 38601 applies only to a vehicle defined as an ROV.

What type of safety helmet am I required to wear?

CVC Section 38601 reads: A person shall not operate, or allow a passenger in, a recreational off-highway vehicle on public lands unless the person and the passenger are wearing safety helmets meeting the requirements established for motorcycles and motorized bicycles pursuant to CVC Section 27802. CVC Section 27802 defines the guidelines to be used as meeting the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), Standard 218. FMVSS 218 defines those standards, of which, identifies the requirement of a DOT label.

Sent from my FRD-L14 using Tapatalk

 

[Waffles]

That's the same link one of my friends, that's a sheriff, sent me before I bought my 4 seater rhino.

Sent from my FRD-L14 using Tapatalk

 

[Your ad here]

Just wear the helmet. You never know what will happen...

 

[EarpRider]

We mostly ride in Earp - San Bernardino, we came across the San Bernardino County Sheriff's last year, they were in a brand new SxS. We stopped and talked to them and they said they are pretty much only looking for people not wearing helmets and people highly intoxicated.

 

[gqchris]

Just wear the helmet. You never know what will happen...

Nahhh. Id rather make that decision on my own.

 

[DLC]

So it’s ok to wear a helmet and be moderately intoxicated !

Noted

 

[gqchris]

Really guys??? I have been in the dirt my whole life (grew up in 29 Palms) and I have never not worn a helmet when riding/driving any off-road vehicle. I just don’t see the benefits. No one thinks “wow...that guy is cool” when you roll by without a helmet. With the current abilities of these new SXS’s why even risk it. Just like riding a street bike... just because you are confident in your abilities doesn’t mean the young buck isn’t going to plow into head on at 60+ and wreck your day and hurt yourself and/or your family.

Send more time riding and enjoying your short time in the dirt instead of trying to fight the man and waste time and money doing it.

I have no problem with safety equipment. Really isnt about fighting the man, just more about personal choices at the time. How come noone screams “ wear your helmet” at Arizona functions? Wouldnt you be more prone to getting hit by a snowbird on the road in Havasu? Noone seems to care. Different culture I guess.

And Yes. I own a Lifeline also.

 

[Your ad here]

Let me ask this. Are you the driver or passanger in the sxs?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

No one wears a helmet on the streets in AZ.

I agree the helmet is safer, but if you are an adult, do as you please. Obviously in CA this puts you at risk for a ticket.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I have no problem with safety equipment. Really isnt about fighting the man, just more about personal choices at the time. How come noone screams “ wear your helmet” at Arizona functions? Wouldnt you be more prone to getting hit by a snowbird on the road in Havasu? Noone seems to care. Different culture I guess.

And Yes. I own a Lifeline also.

Yes. I bring this up in every soapbox safety discussion. You could crack your head open on the roll cage or be seriously injured in a fender bender in a SXS on the street. Likely worse than a rollover in the dirt.

I haven’t seen anyone with a helmet on the street in a SXS ever.

It is a personal choice.

 

[EPL]

You sound

Wanna put your money where your mouth is? Bet me that I haven’t successfully defended this.

just like the people that claim they can get street legal plates for there SXS in California !! You may have BS'd one cop but it's not the norm !!

 

[Englewood]

I said "defended", not "BS'd a cop".

 

[RVRKID]

You sound

just like the people that claim they can get street legal plates for there SXS in California !! You may have BS'd one cop but it's not the norm !!

there are 2 in Rancho/Upland area, 1 I've see driving around multiple times and then both of them in a picture in the drive thru at In n Out.

 

[EPL]

there are 2 in Rancho/Upland area, 1 I've see driving around multiple times and then both of them in a picture in the drive thru at In n Out.

If you have connections with someone at the DMV there is a way to do it but it's not legal !! There is "NO" street legal SXS in California that is done legally !!

 

[Your ad here]

Got thinking about this thread and a sxs crash I was in. Let me share the story with you and why wearing a helmet is a good idea. My buddy and I were in a 4 seat razor and it rolled end over end 4 times going into a bowl at glamis. He was driving. At one point we must have been 10 feet upside down in the air. We were wearing helmets... mine was strapped, his wasn't. After the first roll his helmet came off and on roll 2,3, and 4 his face smack the steering wheel hard each time. I saw it because I turned my head to avoid the passanger handlebars smacking my face were the opening in the helmet is. When we landed on the wheels he was useless then dropped to the sand. As I sit in the seat I check myself for broken bones then try to get out of the thing incase it catches fire. After awhile I pick his ass up, put him in the passanger seat. Pick up all the broken parts and shove them in the razor. The rear seats broke out and were 50 feet away. Get in and drive back to camp. Had to make 5 loops to get out of the bowl. Because I was wearing my helmet properly I was able to handle the problem and get us out of the mess and back to camp. If I wasn't wearing a helmet my head would've busted open on those passanger handlebars and who knows when help would have arrived. If we had passangers in the back seat it would have been at least a life flight.