The provincial government has recently made amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act in an effort to improve motorcycle safety in B.C.
Starting June 1 operators needed to ensure they are compliant with the new safety laws. Motorcycle riders and passengers will be required to wear SnellM2005, Snell 2010, ECE or DOT compliant helmets.
For a one-month period starting June 1, police across the province will carry out an educational enforcement strategy.
If you are caught without a proper helmet, RCMP officers, whenever possible, will ensure you have safe alternative transportation rather than issuing a ticket.
Full enforcement will begin July 1.
In addition to improved helmet laws, new seating laws will come into effect that will require operators and passengers be properly seated on the motorcycle or in a sidecar.
The following are the restrictions that apply:
• A rider that is unsafely standing or riding side saddle; a passenger 16 or older who is on a motorcycle not designed for passengers; a passenger 16 or older who is riding side saddle; a passenger 16 or older who is in front of the operator; a passenger 16 or older who is not using foot rests or foot pegs; and a passenger 16 or older who is not seated in or on the sidecar.
Violating the seating restrictions carries a vehicle impoundment period.