California Doubles Motorcycle Insurance Requirements to Address Rising Accident Rates
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California motorcyclists will face substantially higher insurance requirements beginning January 1, 2025, under Senate Bill 1107, which doubles minimum mandatory liability coverage across the state. The new law requires all motorists, including motorcycle riders, to carry insurance covering $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Riders must now provide proof of this adequate insurance to the Department of Motor Vehicles when registering their vehicles to operate legally on California roads.
The increased requirements come as motorcycle accident numbers continue to rise in areas with high volumes of commuter and commercial traffic. Personal injury attorney Wayne Cohen, founder of Cohen Injury Law Group, identified three particularly dangerous intersections in Ventura: Main Street and Santa Clara, Los Posas and Hueneme, and Harbor and Gonzalez. Cohen emphasizes the importance of awareness, defensive riding, and proper insurance for motorcyclists navigating these hazardous areas.
While lane-splitting remains legal in California, the California Highway Patrol emphasizes safe riding practices, particularly warning against lane-splitting alongside large vehicles like trucks or buses. The CHP advises riders to always consider road, weather, and lighting conditions when deciding whether to lane-split, noting that the maneuver limits rider visibility to other motorists and contributes to preventable accidents, especially at intersections.
The increased insurance requirements under SB 1107 provide greater financial protection for both riders and other motorists involved in accidents, potentially reducing the burden on uninsured motorist funds and public resources. The law firm Cohen Injury Law Group represents victims of motorcycle accidents, assisting clients in seeking maximum compensation from negligent drivers. As motorcycle usage continues in California, the combination of higher insurance minimums and emphasized safety practices aims to address the state's rising motorcycle accident statistics while maintaining rider mobility through continued lane-splitting legality.
