California Bill Would Allow Sikhs to Ride Motorcycles Without a Helmet

A Sikh man rides a motorcycle with the "Sikh Riders of America" group during the 4th of July Parade in Alameda, Calif., on July 4, 2016. Gabrielle Lurie/AFP via Getty Images

A proposal in California that would allow Sikh motorcyclists who wear headwear such as turbans or patkas to ride without helmets was approved by the state Senate.

Senate Bill 847, which would grant an exemption for the religious or cultural headdresses and was authored by Sen. Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), was approved on May 31 on a 21–8 vote.