CA Laws

I know that this same question is probably out there some where, but maybe we can make this new thread more understandable for us all about the CA Laws for having a Gas Powered Bike.


I have a 66cc(80cc) Gas Powered Motor mounted on a Mountain Bike, here is my story. If there are any questions, please ask.


I've been stopped by Police Officers 4 times in this small town(Quincy, CA) that I live in(2 CHP, 2 Sheriffs).

The first stop(9/15/2009) was a CHP that notified me that I needed a rear light on the back, he also let me know of some other rules that I should follow for having a motor on the Bike, everything turned out good and he clearly stated that I was legal for Highway use.

The second stop(9/15/2009) was 20 minutes later by a Sheriff Officer doing his normal check abouts, he also clearly stated I was legal for on road use.

The third stop(10/21/2009) was by a different Sheriff Officer who just wanted to check out what the Mountain Bike had, he said I was good for on road use.

The forth stop was today(11/1/2009) by a CHP Officer, who probably woke up on the wrong side of the bed while him wife was in the next room with his friend. For a small town that I live in I could tell that he was new here(city cops) and didn't understand the ways of how things are here(they get bored and nick pick things). This Officer claimed that he "Thinks" that the Mountain Bike is classified as a Dirt Bike, and that it is not tended for Highway or on road use.

I'm just wondering why 3 Officers of California say that the Bike is fine and that I should have no worries, but then have this 4th Officer come along and start pulling crap out of his... well you know.

I guess for those of you reading this, the town I live in is small, up in the Northern California area, I mean, we are in the Mountains. The 2 closest cities are 80 miles to the East & West of us off of Highway 70. What I'm trying to get at is, what is legal and what is not legal. What to do when 1 Officer says something vs something that another Officer says.

I forget where I got the laws but It says nothing about the cc of the engine but it should be 2 hp or less, have an automatic clutch that doesn't shift.

I know that they also said that the bike has to have 2 or 3 wheels and the driver must have a m2 license. The bike also needs a moped license.

That's all that I can think of off the top of my head. Print out the correct laws along with it's code and show it to the next cop who thinks that you are riding illegal.

The reason behind all the confusion is that I can go on the dmv site and show you one place where they say that you don't need to be registered and another where you need to be registered along with having an m2.

For daytime driving, the rear light must be a brakelight. You also need a horn and mirror. For night driving, you also need a headlight and tail light.

Here is a site that does a good job of explaining all of the equipment requirements if you can pick them out from the motorcycle requirements: CHP Form 888

Besides the equipment requirements, there are some registration requirements. But it is a one time $19 thing similar to registering a bicycle. No inspection required.

Can you tell me where it says that you do not have to be registered?

Do you think I should check with DMV and see what they say and get all information on hand to confront the Officer when he stops me next, cause I'm still going to ride the thing. The Officer that stopped me today(11/1/2009) claimed that I can't ride my bike on the Highway, lucky for me though we have County Roads to and from town.

I'm sorry but most likely got mixed up with CVC Sec. 406[b] which is for an electric motor on a bicycle. Then it can be riden as long as you are 16 or older without a license or plate.

This is all the california motorcycle handbook says about where a moped CAN NOT be ridden.
tWo-Wheel Vehicle oPeratioN. The basic rules of the road contained in the California Vehicle Code apply to alltwo-wheelvehicles which include motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, or bicycles with a motor attached. Minibikes, tote-goats, trail bikes, and similar
vehicles may fall within the definition of motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle. If any of these vehicles are operated on a highway, they must meet applicable equipment, registration, licensing, and operation requirements, if required. Any person registering a motorcycle is required to obtain a Class M1 or M2 driver license prior to operating the vehicle. Do not ride a moped on a freeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian (horse) trail, hiking trail, or recreational trail unless that path or trail is on or next to a road or permission to use the trail or roadway is granted by local law.

putting aside the motor part of your bicycle for a minute, california law says that bicycles must have a headlight and a tailight if operated at night. that's been in effect for 20 years or so.

the rest of it, i can't help you with. because you live in a hick town with sherrif roscoe p. coltraine.

i live by the beach, and haven't gotten hassled yet.

"yet" being the key word.

Lol, hick town. Is it because we are way up in the mountains that you think I live in a Hick Town? The Sheriffs here don't really care about the bike, it's mainly the CHP Officers. Our town is a training ground for the screwed up Rookies and city cops. There's family's thats been here for ages and we get bugged by the newbs for small crap.

Here's everything you want to know, and probibly more.
DMV Search Results: motorized bicycle

here in merced county it says as long as your 16 and over you dont need a California drivers license for a moped bike and you need a helmet and a few minor traffic rules but its common sense. i haven't had any police run ins yet knock on wood but then again im off to school before they are even getting there cars ready haha

Yeah, some cities have thier own interpretations. One city near me, La Mesa, does not allow MB's at all. You can't even pedal it in a bicycle lane with the engine off and stone cold to the touch. Removing the engine's chain is about the only way to avoid a ticket or impound, and you gotta do that before the popo messes with you.