Those wearing religious turban would except from helmets while riding in California

RELIGIOUS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Proposed legislation that would exempt those who wear religious or cultural headdresses — such as a turban or patka — from wearing helmets when riding a motorcycle has cleared the California state Senate.

Los Angeles Times reported Sen. Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), who introduced the bill, said he was approached by bikers in the Sikh community who said they wanted the ability to practice their religious beliefs while riding motorcycles. There are no helmets that accommodate headdresses.

“They just want to be able to practice their faith without discrimination, and the Constitution allows us to do that,” Dahle said Friday.

About 211,000 Sikhs live in California, making up nearly half of the nation’s entire community, according to the most recent U.S. Census data.

The bill cleared the state Senate on Wednesday, and now heads to the Assembly.

Eighteen states, including California, have adopted universal helmet laws since a federal safety penalty was repealed in 1995.

The California Highway Patrol enforces the universal helmet law, and violations are punished with a fine of up to $250 and/or a year on probation. Dahle said the rule doesn’t intentionally discriminate against religions, but it limits how certain communities can engage in their customs.

The Automobile Club of Southern California opposes the legislation, citing concerns that it would weaken the state’s universal motorcycle helmet law.

More than 5,500 motorcyclists died in 2020, and more than 180,000 were injured in motorcycle crashes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Helmets were found to reduce the risk of head injuries from crashes by 69%.

The County Health Executives Assn. of California also opposes Dahle’s legislation, Senate Bill 847.

According to an analysis of the bill, Sikhs or other groups are not exempt from helmet laws in other states due to religious practices.

Several provinces in Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario exempt Sikhs from helmet laws. Exemptions have also been granted in the United Kingdom and India.