Equestrian safety.

Existing law generally establishes rules of the road for the operation of vehicles on state highways and roads, and authorizes the Department of Transportation and local governments to consider equestrian safety and designate equestrian crossings on highways, as specified. Existing law requires a person under 18 years of age to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet, as specified, while operating, or riding as a passenger upon, a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, or while wearing in-line or roller skates, upon a street, bikeway, or any other public bicycle path or trail. A violation of the Vehicle Code is punishable as an infraction. This bill would require a person under 18 years of age to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet meeting specified requirements when that person is riding an equestrian animal on a paved highway. The bill would require a person, regardless of age, riding an equestrian animal upon a paved highway during hours of darkness to use reflective gear or a lamp emitting a white light on their person or on the equestrian animal, as specified. The bill would make a violation of these provisions an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $25, except as provided. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would make the parent or legal guardian having control or custody of an unemancipated minor whose conduct violates this section jointly and severally liable with the minor for the amount of the fine. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.