CVC 21212(a)Eligible for written declarationCorrectable · Fix under CVC 40522

Bicycle Helmet Violation — Minor

A person under 18 riding a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter or skateboard, wearing in-line or roller skates, or riding as a passenger, on a street, bikeway or public bicycle path or trail without a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets ASTM or CPSC standards.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $193DMV Points: None✓ Correctable

This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.

What is a Bicycle Helmet Violation — Minor ticket?

CVC 21212(a) says a person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, wear in-line or roller skates, or ride upon a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, or skateboard as a passenger upon a street, bikeway, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless they are wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or a standard later established by those entities. This also applies to a person riding upon a bicycle in a restraining seat attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, wear in-line or roller skates, or ride upon a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, or skateboard as a passenger upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless they are wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or a standard subsequently established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were under 18 years of age
2You were operating a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, or skateboard, wearing in-line or roller skates, or riding as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, or other public bicycle path or trail
3You were not wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the ASTM or CPSC standard, or a standard later established by those entities

Arguments Commonly Raised for Bicycle Helmet Violation — Minor

General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.

First charge

CVC 21212(d) says a charge under this section shall be dismissed if the person charged alleges in court, under oath, that it is the first charge against that person under this section, unless it is otherwise established in court that it is not the first charge.

Helmet and safety course within 120 days

CVC 21212(f) says a record of the action shall not be transmitted to the court, and no fee shall be imposed under Section 40611, if the parent or legal guardian delivers proof to the issuing agency within 120 days after the citation was issued that the person has a helmet meeting subdivision (a) and has completed a local bicycle safety course (or, if the violation involved an electric bicycle, a specialized electric bicycle safety course), or a related safety course, if one is available, as prescribed by authorities in the local jurisdiction.

The helmet you wore

If you were wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets the ASTM or CPSC standard, describe it and include a photo of its label.

Age

The section applies to a person under 18 years of age.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Missing the 120-day window in CVC 21212(f) for delivering proof of a helmet and a safety course
✗Not keeping proof of the helmet and of the completed course

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21212(a) — Bicycle Helmet Violation — Minor. A person under 18 riding a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter or skateboard, wearing in-line or roller skates, or riding as a passenger, on a street, bikeway or public bicycle path or trail without a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets ASTM or CPSC standards.

This is a fixed-rule section: it describes a specific act or limit. The question is whether the facts show that act: what happened, where, and how it was observed or measured.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21212(a). It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Helmet Violation — Minor

What is the fine under CVC 21212?▼

CVC 21212(e)(1) says that, except as provided in subdivision (d), a violation is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $25. That is the base fine: with the assessments added, the 2026 Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules list a $193 total. Under (e)(2), the parent or legal guardian having control or custody of an unemancipated minor whose conduct violates the section is jointly and severally liable with the minor for the fine.

Can a first helmet charge be dismissed?▼

Yes. CVC 21212(d) says a charge under this section shall be dismissed if the person charged alleges in court, under oath, that it is the first charge against that person under this section, unless it is otherwise established in court that it is not.

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CVC 21200(a)CVC 21201(a)