Attorney General Shirley Bond says the new motorcycle laws are meant to protect vulnerable riders. April 30, 2012. (CTV)
New rules intended to reduce motorcycle deaths in B.C. will no longer allow riders to wear novelty helmets known as skid lids, skull caps and beanies.
The provincial government announced Monday that as of June 1 all helmets must have a rigid head covering as well as a strong, stiff outer shell and a crushable liner. All passengers will also have to keep their feet on foot pegs or floorboards, and if they can't reach, they won't be allowed to ride.
Attorney General Shirley Bond says the new laws are meant to protect motorcyclists who are more vulnerable than other drivers.
"It's not unlike what we do with impaired driving, with excessive speeding, with seatbelts. We can educate and legislate," Bond said.
According to the Ministry of Justice, motorcyclists are eight times more likely to be killed and more than 40 per cent more likely to be injured in a crash than a person in a car.
Violators of the new helmet rules will be fined $138. Those who violate seating requirements will be fined between $109 and $121, as well as have their motorcycles impounded.
The B.C. government also plans to move into a graduated licensing program involving power restrictions after a consultation determines best model.
