Courts Told to Set $10 Fine for Helmet Law Violators
A state agency that advises the courts says failure to wear a helmet while driving a motorcycle is subject to a “fix-it” ticket, which calls for only a $10 fine, rather than heavier fines sought by the Legislature.
Rick Neal of the Judicial Council, which instructs state courts on administration, practices and procedures, sent the “fix-it” ticket memo Thursday to all traffic courts and police agencies.
The Legislature approved the mandatory helmet law last year.
The 1992 statute calls for a fine of up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $250 for a third offense within a year.
Former Assemblyman Richard Floyd (D-Carson), author of the helmet law, criticized the memo as an attempt to weaken the law.
A spokesman for the Modified Motorcycle Assn. hailed the memo, but said his group will continue to press for repeal of the helmet law.
Motorcycle groups have pending court suits challenging the statute, saying it violates the Constitution and their civil rights.
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