Laguna Beach Passes Law to Fine Helmetless Skateboarders
Posted on October 17, 2012 Written By: iadminlaw
Laguna Beach, California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The city of Laguna Beach is cracking down on skateboarders who do not wear helmets. Trying to prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries, the city is enforcing safety to any reckless skateboarder. On Tuesday, October 16, the City Council approved an ordinance that will allow police officers to take away the skateboards of any rider not following the rules of wearing a helmet.
When helmetless skateboarders are caught by policemen, their skateboard will be taken away and held by the Police Department for up to a month. Juveniles who are caught without a helmet would need to go to the police station with a parent in order for their board to get released.
In the state of California, helmets are required by law to be worn by all minors on a skateboard, bike, scooter, or roller skate. However, the city of Laguna Beach decided to take the law even further and is now extending the law to all ages. Maybe it has been one serious accident too many that has caused City Council Members to put a serious end to individuals getting hurt while out on the streets.
According to California State law, individuals who are found violating the law must go through traffic court and pay a $280 fine. Laguna Beach has softened the fine to just $25 for persons violating the new law. Juveniles will also have to go through counseling in a diversion program. City Council Members are stating that the small fine and counseling session may have more of an effect of violators rather than the large fine.
While the city is looking out for the safety of its residents, complaints and backlash have already surfaced from homeowners. Residents are asking the Council Members to focus their safety regulations on troublemakers rather than expanding the ban to all skateboarders.
One complaint filed is the discrimination of skateboarders since the law only targets skateboard riders and not bicyclists and roller skaters as well. The penalty does not apply to bicyclists.
No matter what the complaints are, wearing a helmet is vital to safety when an individual is riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard on sidewalks and neighborhood streets. A pedestrian accident can cause some serious head damage if the rider was not wearing a helmet. If your loved one has been involved in an accident, contact an injury attorney today to file a claim.
