Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
December 19, 2025
California Doubles Motorcycle Insurance, Highlights Safety Risks
TLDR
- California's SB 1107 doubles liability insurance minimums, requiring motorcyclists to carry $30,000 per person coverage to gain legal road access and avoid penalties.
- SB 1107 mandates $30,000 bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage coverage for all motorists, with proof required at DMV registration.
- Increased insurance requirements and safety awareness aim to reduce preventable motorcycle accidents, making California roads safer for all commuters and commercial traffic.
- Attorney Wayne Cohen identifies Ventura's most dangerous intersections as Main/Santa Clara, Los Posas/Hueneme, and Harbor/Gonzalez, highlighting risks in high-traffic areas.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it directly affects the safety and financial security of millions of motorcyclists and other road users in California. The doubling of minimum insurance requirements under SB 1107 means higher potential costs for riders but offers better protection in accidents, which is crucial given rising accident rates in high-traffic areas like Ventura. For the average person, this impacts insurance premiums and legal liabilities, making it essential to review and update policies. The emphasis on lane-splitting safety and dangerous intersections serves as a timely reminder for defensive riding, potentially reducing injuries and fatalities. From a broader perspective, it reflects ongoing efforts to balance rider freedoms with public safety, influencing similar policies nationwide and highlighting the importance of legal awareness, as experts like attorney Wayne Cohen advise, to navigate post-accident challenges effectively.
Summary
Starting January 1, 2025, California's Senate Bill 1107 (SB 1107) significantly increases the state's minimum mandatory liability insurance requirements for all motorists, including motorcyclists. The new law doubles the coverage amounts, mandating $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. This legislative change, which applies to riders in Ventura and across California, requires motorcyclists to carry this enhanced coverage to legally operate on roads and to submit proof of adequate insurance to the DMV during vehicle registration. The bill aims to provide greater financial protection in the event of accidents, reflecting a proactive approach to public safety and financial responsibility.
Amidst these new insurance mandates, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues to address rider safety, particularly concerning the practice of lane-splitting, which remains legal in the state. The CHP emphasizes critical safe riding practices, advising motorcyclists to avoid lane-splitting alongside large vehicles like trucks or buses and to always consider road, weather, and lighting conditions. Lane-splitting is highlighted as a dangerous maneuver that limits a rider's visibility to other motorists, often leading to preventable accidents, especially at intersections. This guidance underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and defensive riding techniques to complement the new legal requirements.
Adding a legal perspective, personal injury attorney Wayne Cohen, founder of Cohen Injury Law Group, identifies the three most dangerous intersections in Ventura as Main Street and Santa Clara, Los Posas and Hueneme, and Harbor and Gonzalez. Cohen underscores the importance of awareness, defensive riding, and proper insurance for motorcyclists, particularly as accident numbers continue to rise in areas with high volumes of commuter and commercial traffic. His firm, Cohen Injury Law Group, specializes in representing victims of motorcycle accidents, assisting clients in seeking maximum compensation from negligent drivers. Cohen's expertise in personal injury law provides valuable insights into navigating the complexities of post-accident legal processes, reinforcing the critical role of legal preparedness alongside safety and insurance measures.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, California Doubles Motorcycle Insurance, Highlights Safety Risks
