Gopro on Motorcycle Helmet

[DevilDawgJJ]

I'm getting mixed results. Something in the vehicle code about no more than 5mm extending from helmet. Some say GTG. I have a Cardio Bluetooth, that extends more. But it's on the side, black, and inconspicuous.

Is this a spirit of the law type VC?

TIA!

[explosivewhale]

Ive never thought to stop a motorcyclist for cameras sticking off helmets or bikes, i encourage it rather. I ride once in a blue moon and i run a gopro session off the chin portion of my helmet to protect myself.

I'm only looking to stop riders putting other people at risk.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[Quiet]

AFAIK...

As long as it does not hinder or obscure the driver's vision the video recording device is CA legal. [VC 26708(b)(13)]

As long as the helmet meets the mandatory safety requirements it is CA legal. [VC 267802 and 267803]

*EDIT*
It appears that Federal laws/regulations limits projections added onto a helmet to a 5mm, anything that protrudes more than 5mm will cause the helmet to lose its DOT certification. [49 CFR 571.218]

Some helmet manufacturers are now making/selling helmets with built in cameras that are DOT certified.
^Because those camera helmets were DOT certified, their camera projections can be greater than 5mm because it is considered part of the helmet and not an addition to the helmet.




Vehicle Code 26708
(a)(1) A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows.
(2) A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied in or upon the vehicle that obstructs or reduces the driver's clear view through the windshield or side windows.
(3) This subdivision applies to a person driving a motor vehicle with the driver's clear vision through the windshield, or side or rear windows, obstructed by snow or ice.
(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:
(13)(A) A video event recorder with the capability of monitoring driver performance to improve driver safety, which may be mounted in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver, in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver and outside of an airbag deployment zone, or in a five-inch square mounted to the center uppermost portion of the interior of the windshield. As used in this section, "video event recorder" means a video recorder that continuously records in a digital loop, recording audio, video, and G-force levels, but saves video only when triggered by an unusual motion or crash or when operated by the driver to monitor driver performance.
(B) A vehicle equipped with a video event recorder shall have a notice posted in a visible location which states that a passenger's conversation may be recorded.
(C) Video event recorders shall store no more than 30 seconds before and after a triggering event.
(D) The registered owner or lessee of the vehicle may disable the device.
(E) The data recorded to the device is the property of the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle.
(F) When a person is driving for hire as an employee in a vehicle with a video event recorder, the person's employer shall provide unedited copies of the recordings upon the request of the employee or the employee's representative. These copies shall be provided free of charge to the employee and within five days of the request.

Vehicle Code 27802
(a) The department may adopt reasonable regulations establishing specifications and standards for safety helmets offered for sale, or sold, for use by drivers and passengers of motorcycles and motorized bicycles as it determines are necessary for the safety of those drivers and passengers. The regulations shall include, but are not limited to, the requirements imposed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 (49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.218) and may include compliance with that federal standard by incorporation of its requirements by reference. Each helmet sold or offered for sale for use by drivers and passengers of motorcycles and motorized bicycles shall be conspicuously labeled in accordance with the federal standard which shall constitute the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.
(b) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, for use by a driver or passenger of a motorcycle or motorized bicycle any safety helmet which is not of a type meeting requirements established by the department.

Vehicle Code 27803
(a) A driver and any passenger shall wear a safety helmet meeting requirements established pursuant to Section 27802 when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.
(b) It is unlawful to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).
(c) It is unlawful to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).
(d) This section applies to persons who are riding on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycles operated on the highways.
(e) For the purposes of this section, "wear a safety helmet" or "wearing a safety helmet" means having a safety helmet meeting the requirements of Section 27802 on the person's head that is fastened with the helmet straps and that is of a size that fits the wearing person's head securely without excessive lateral or vertical movement.
(f) This section does not apply to a person operating, or riding as a passenger in, a fully enclosed three-wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than seven feet in length and not less than four feet in width, and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more, if the vehicle meets or exceeds all of the requirements of this code, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
(g) In enacting this section, it is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that all persons are provided with an additional safety benefit while operating or riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.

49 CFR 571.218
S5.5 Projections.
A helmet shall not have any rigid projections inside its shell. Rigid projections outside any helmet's shell shall be limited to those required for operation of essential accessories, and shall not protrude more than 0.20 inch (5 mm).

[CBR_rider]

What section do people claim to have been cited for/know that prohibits things like an action camera from being mounted to a helmet? Is it some kind of technicality about a modification made to a DOT approved helmet voiding the DOt certification and this resulting in the rider no longer wearing a DOT approved helmet on the road?

Quiet has already posted the only vehicle codes that I know of related to motorcycle helmets…. I’d like to learn something new if someone has the details on relevant VC’s for any kind of helmet mounted camera that I have ever seen; I don’t know of anything reasonable. IE; I could see someone getting cited for something like a 4’ selfie stick type thing mounted off to one side that crosses into another lane while the motorcycle is traveling, the already mentioned blocking vision maybe, a camera mounted on a helmet with a giant, blinding flashlight for night riding, or some other bizarre contraption but yeah.

[esy]

I haven’t ever considered stopping a rider with a helmet mounted camera nor do I know of a CVC violation.

I’d rather stop riders with those dumb helmet attachments like the mohawk, elmo, coolie monster, etc. covers. Those are dumb. Hahaha.

[CBR_rider]

I think I have found what the OP has likely read about helmet mounted cameras being illegal..

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/571.218

I guess these are the DOt regulations for testing/certifying a motorcycle helmet. Seems like a whole bunch of mumbo jumbo BS to try and cite someone for (I guess) not wearing a DOT approved helmet sue to the camera being adhered to the exterior of the helmet. I mean, if someone wants to weaken their own helmet to wear a camera who freaking cares?! Plus, some motor cops wear helmet mounted body cam systems…. So I guess I need to report this right quick to an ambulance chasing OJI attorney and collect a finders fee for all the new lawsuits he can take on for departments issuing gear that is actually not DOT approved and making their employees wear it. Maybe I could be an OSHA whistleblower, too

[pacrat]

Out of curiosity, I did a search. Any confusion regarding the existence of such a VC infraction. May have arisen from this YouTube from 2 yrs ago, with over 604k views, in Placerville. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EVH0Bo8yMM&t=0s

Apologize for subjecting CG LEO to asinine auditor dildo vids. It was the only source, or mention, I could find online. Other than the actual codes that Quiet already posted. Which make no mention of cameras on helmets.

At 20:48 in. The CHP officer says he is citing for [MOTORCYCLE HELMET SAFETY]. But doesnt state the code number. He also stated earlier, ... [no more than 2 mm protrusion allowed].

Ticket written as;
27803(A) motorcycle helmet safety

Must have been a slow day in Placerville for 6, maybe more, CHP and Sheriffs units to respond to a motorcycle traffic stop.

Whether correct or not on the VC. A parking lot, or roadside, isnt the place to argue the point. Since the rider had already made clear he would be going to court.

Conduct of the officers was commendable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZyzS3bpAXw

CHP officer in this follow up, is of same belief as citing officer. At 4:20 into vid, for those not wanting to be subjected to excess auditor asininity.

I still dont know. But wonder how the traffic court came out?

[pacrat]

I think I have found what the OP has likely read about helmet mounted cameras being illegal..

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/571.218

I guess these are the DOt regulations for testing/certifying a motorcycle helmet. Seems like a whole bunch of mumbo jumbo BS to try and cite someone for (I guess) not wearing a DOT approved helmet sue to the camera being adhered to the exterior of the helmet. I mean, if someone wants to weaken their own helmet to wear a camera who freaking cares?! Plus, some motor cops wear helmet mounted body cam systems?. So I guess I need to report this right quick to an ambulance chasing OJI attorney and collect a finders fee for all the new lawsuits he can take on for departments issuing gear that is actually not DOT approved and making their employees wear it. Maybe I could be an OSHA whistleblower, too

Damn it. I was busy watching dumbazz vids when you posted. GOOD FIND.

Vehicle Code 27802
(a) The department may adopt reasonable regulations establishing specifications and standards for safety helmets offered for sale, or sold, for use by drivers and passengers of motorcycles and motorized bicycles as it determines are necessary for the safety of those drivers and passengers. The regulations shall include, but are not limited to, the requirements imposed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 (49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.218) and may include compliance with that federal standard by incorporation of its requirements by reference.

Included in 49 CFR ? 571.218 - Standard No. 218; Motorcycle helmets.

S5.5 Projections. A helmet shall not have any rigid projections inside its shell. Rigid projections outside any helmet's shell shall be limited to those required for operation of essential accessories, and shall not protrude more than 0.20 inch (5 mm).

As to the vids I wasted time watching. CHIPS 2 .... Loudmouth ZIP.

I am guessing there was no after court video due to embarrassing outcome.

[DevilDawgJJ]

I think I have found what the OP has likely read about helmet mounted cameras being illegal..

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/571.218

I guess these are the DOt regulations for testing/certifying a motorcycle helmet. Seems like a whole bunch of mumbo jumbo BS to try and cite someone for (I guess) not wearing a DOT approved helmet sue to the camera being adhered to the exterior of the helmet. I mean, if someone wants to weaken their own helmet to wear a camera who freaking cares?! Plus, some motor cops wear helmet mounted body cam systems?. So I guess I need to report this right quick to an ambulance chasing OJI attorney and collect a finders fee for all the new lawsuits he can take on for departments issuing gear that is actually not DOT approved and making their employees wear it. Maybe I could be an OSHA whistleblower, too

Yessir. I did come across that.

Also, saw that CHP video. Which made my interest peak. I'm certain you (LEOs) could find something in thr VC to cite someone...lol.

I appreciate the feedback!

[1911su16b870]

I think the rationale is you have a manufacturer's safety item, a helmet, which is tested as is...if someone were to add a metal spike(s) "pickelhaube", or other item that can comprise the shell, it would definitely invalidate the original safety testing rendering the helmet unsafe.

As in most stuff, there is probably more to the video than we know about, e.g. both officer and motorcyclists demeanor causing "letter of the law" vs. "spirt of the law" advisement/citation etc.

Similarly the one meme where someone bedazzles their steering wheel optop of the airbag...effectively creating a claymore.

[WOODY2]

AFAIK...

As long as it does not hinder or obscure the driver's vision the video recording device is CA legal. [VC 26708(b)(13)]

As long as the helmet meets the mandatory safety requirements it is CA legal. [VC 267802 and 267803]



Vehicle Code 26708
(a)(1) A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows.
(2) A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied in or upon the vehicle that obstructs or reduces the driver's clear view through the windshield or side windows.
(3) This subdivision applies to a person driving a motor vehicle with the driver's clear vision through the windshield, or side or rear windows, obstructed by snow or ice.
(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:
(13)(A) A video event recorder with the capability of monitoring driver performance to improve driver safety, which may be mounted in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver, in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver and outside of an airbag deployment zone, or in a five-inch square mounted to the center uppermost portion of the interior of the windshield. As used in this section, "video event recorder" means a video recorder that continuously records in a digital loop, recording audio, video, and G-force levels, but saves video only when triggered by an unusual motion or crash or when operated by the driver to monitor driver performance.
(B) A vehicle equipped with a video event recorder shall have a notice posted in a visible location which states that a passenger's conversation may be recorded.
(C) Video event recorders shall store no more than 30 seconds before and after a triggering event.
(D) The registered owner or lessee of the vehicle may disable the device.
(E) The data recorded to the device is the property of the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle.
(F) When a person is driving for hire as an employee in a vehicle with a video event recorder, the person's employer shall provide unedited copies of the recordings upon the request of the employee or the employee's representative. These copies shall be provided free of charge to the employee and within five days of the request.

Vehicle Code 27802
(a) The department may adopt reasonable regulations establishing specifications and standards for safety helmets offered for sale, or sold, for use by drivers and passengers of motorcycles and motorized bicycles as it determines are necessary for the safety of those drivers and passengers. The regulations shall include, but are not limited to, the requirements imposed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 (49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.218) and may include compliance with that federal standard by incorporation of its requirements by reference. Each helmet sold or offered for sale for use by drivers and passengers of motorcycles and motorized bicycles shall be conspicuously labeled in accordance with the federal standard which shall constitute the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.
(b) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, for use by a driver or passenger of a motorcycle or motorized bicycle any safety helmet which is not of a type meeting requirements established by the department.

Vehicle Code 27803
(a) A driver and any passenger shall wear a safety helmet meeting requirements established pursuant to Section 27802 when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.
(b) It is unlawful to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).
(c) It is unlawful to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).
(d) This section applies to persons who are riding on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycles operated on the highways.
(e) For the purposes of this section, "wear a safety helmet" or "wearing a safety helmet" means having a safety helmet meeting the requirements of Section 27802 on the person's head that is fastened with the helmet straps and that is of a size that fits the wearing person's head securely without excessive lateral or vertical movement.
(f) This section does not apply to a person operating, or riding as a passenger in, a fully enclosed three-wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than seven feet in length and not less than four feet in width, and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more, if the vehicle meets or exceeds all of the requirements of this code, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
(g) In enacting this section, it is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that all persons are provided with an additional safety benefit while operating or riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.

Thank you Sir!

[Frank_5.0]

If you decide to get a mount, I have this brand new in packaging you can have. Just shoot me a PM

https://agirlandherbike.com/products/helmet-front-mount

[sbo80]

if something protrudes from the helmet, theoretically it can get caught in a crash/slide, and twist your head around. The design of those helmets is to provide both direct impact cushioning, and sliding protection. Personally I'd never stick something onto a helmet like that. I know the gopro mounts seem like they'd just snap off, but if you're moving at 50mph, it wouldn't take much twist to break your neck. I'm not surprised that is prohibited by safety standards.
Same reason that sitting in an ejection seat, the mantra before strapping in is "rings, rags, and tags". Anything that is on your person around fingers or neck, needs to be removed, just in case it gets caught in a bailout. It would stay in the jet while your body leaves at high speed. Not good for your fingers or head.

[yardsale]

Didn?t some F1 racer get himself in a coma for the rest of his days wearing a GoPro on his ski helmet a few years back?

[esy]

Didn?t some F1 racer get himself in a coma for the rest of his days wearing a GoPro on his ski helmet a few years back?

You may be referring to Michael Schumacher and no.

He fell and hit his head on a rock even he had a helmet on, but nothing to do with a GoPro. He was placed in a medically induced coma from his TBI, and while he is no longer in a coma, he is paralyzed, unable to speak, and has memory issues. Extremely sad. He is and was one of the greatest F1 drivers ever, and definitely the driver who got me fascinated with F1.