california laws?

GoldenMotor.com

ryan2249

New Member
Apr 10, 2009
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Visalia, CA
I ride nearly every day in CA too, my bikes only 2 months old and has about 800 miles on it. The police here dont do anything, just make sure you've got lights at night and a helmet at all times and the cops here dont even look at you. It doesnt hurt to stop for stop signs too, if they see you obeying the law they arent gonna bother with you.
 

longhair

New Member
Mar 24, 2009
232
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eagle rock
I ride nearly every day in CA too, my bikes only 2 months old and has about 800 miles on it. The police here dont do anything, just make sure you've got lights at night and a helmet at all times and the cops here dont even look at you. It doesnt hurt to stop for stop signs too, if they see you obeying the law they arent gonna bother with you.
Now your talkin friend! You're exactly right about the coppers. Just obey the street laws and you'll be fine. Went on a 30 mile ride with Rockvoice today, China town, Downtown, bad neighborhoods, etc. Was a blast! I think there's a good ride commin up on the 30th. See you creeps there!cvlt1 {Angry Samoan}
 

Psycho.mc

New Member
May 27, 2009
11
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0
Canoga Park
exactly!!!!
i ride in the valley in cali
all you gotta do is look around if a cop looks like a jerk hit the kill ,pedal for 2 mins then start up again



I ride every day in cali...
If you have a M1 or M2 license, wear a helmet, (I don't wear one) & have bicycle lights at night; & if you see any police, slow down, smile & wave to them!
If you do these things, YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ANY PROBLEMS with them!
Now go ride & have fun!! (^)
 

longhair

New Member
Mar 24, 2009
232
1
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eagle rock
exactly!!!!
i ride in the valley in cali
all you gotta do is look around if a cop looks like a jerk hit the kill ,pedal for 2 mins then start up again
Get this Psycho, I was cruisin my stretch cop bike at a Harley Dealership and a Rampart Sherriff saw my bike {off duty}. He says' "I gotta have that thing"! I said , "You want this one, or a brand new one"? Long story short- Me and Rockvoice ended up buildin a clone bike for him! dnut
 

the willi

New Member
Apr 21, 2009
181
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0
west covina,ca
I ride every day in cali...
If you have a M1 or M2 license, wear a helmet, (I don't wear one) & have bicycle lights at night; & if you see any police, slow down, smile & wave to them!
If you do these things, YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ANY PROBLEMS with them!
Now go ride & have fun!! (^)
i agree with vencie boy just obey thy laws and know problems!!!!!!
 

Randog707

New Member
Oct 18, 2009
177
2
0
Fairfield,ca
.duh.Heres the law in regards to riding motorized bikes in california,got it off the chp web site.




What is a moped or motorized bicycle?

•There are two types of motorized bicycles, defined in the California Vehicle Code (VC) Sections 406(a) and 406(b).
•Section 406(a) VC refers to a moped or motorized bicycle as any two or three wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, has an automatic transmission, and a motor which produces less than 2 gross brake horespower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.
•Section 406(b) VC refers to a motorized bicycle as a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that:
◦Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts;
◦Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on level ground; and
◦Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than 20 miles per hour.
Helmet requirement

Motorcycles, Motor-Driven Cycles, Motorized Bicycles/Mopeds (Section 406(a) VC ) - A helmet meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, self-certified by the manufacturer and displaying a 'DOT' emblem must be worn by all riders of motocycles, motor-driven cycles, and motorized bicycles/mopends.

Motorized Scooters - A bicycle helmet meeting the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) must be worn to operate a motorized scooter.

Motorized Bicycles (Section 406(b) VC) - A bicycle helmet meeting the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (SPSC) must be worn to operator a motorized bicycle.




What is a motorized skateboard or motorized scooter?

•Effective 1/1/2005, a motorized scooter is any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding.
•May have a driver seat that does not interfer with the ability to stand and ride and may also be designed to be powered by human propulsion.
•Powered by electricity or other source.

Driver's License Requirements

Motorized scooter

Effective 1/1/2005, a Class C driver license or driver permit is required.

Motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized bicycle/moped (Section 406(a) VC)

•Must obtain an M-1 or M-2 endorsement on a driver's license.
•M-1 allows the driver to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle and moped
•M-2 allows for operation of a moped or motorized bicycle only.
•To obtain an M-1 or M-2 endorsement, the driver must:
◦Pass the appropriate written exam
◦Pass riding skills test (DMV will accept certificate of competence from an approved novice motorcyclist training program instead of skills test, such as the California Motorcyclist Safety Program).
◦If the individual is under 21 years of age, mandatory successful completion of a Basic Rider education course approved by the CHP is required, such as the Basic Rider course available through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program.
Motorized Bicycle (Section 406(b) VC)

•Driver's License not required but rider must be at least 16 years of age.
Instruction Permit Requirements

•Operator must be at least 15 1/2 years old
•Operator must pass automobile written exam
•Operator must pass appropriate endorsement requirements for an M-1 and M-2 endorsement
•Operator must have completed an approved automobile driver education course
Note: An operator with an instruction permit may not carry passengers, ride after dark or operate a motorcycle on the freeway.



Equipment Requirements

•Brakes, tires, rear view mirror and horn in good operating condition
•Multi-beam headlight for 1978 models and later to remain on at all times
•Tail light and license plate light
•Front and rear turn signals for 1973 and later models
•Passenger footrests allowing any passenger to place feet on them
Safety Clothing

•Helmet as mentioned above. If face shield is worn, it must be shatterproof
•Eyeglasses or other eye protection
•High-top boots or shoes, preferably with steel toe protection
•Gloves
•Snug clothing covering arms and legs
•Brightly colored clothing and reflectorized material after dark
 
Last edited:

Scotchmo

New Member
Jun 23, 2009
217
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Los Osos, California
Equipment Requirements

•Brakes, tires, rear view mirror and horn in good operating condition
•Multi-beam headlight for 1978 models and later to remain on at all times
•Tail light and license plate light
•Front and rear turn signals for 1973 and later models
•Passenger footrests allowing any passenger to place feet on them
Your equipment listing appears to be for motorcycles. You can adhere to the current motorcycle rules if you want to but it is not required. The equipment requirements for motorized bicycles are not so extensive. Search for CHP Form 888 and read through it. This is what I get from it:

•Brakes, tires, rear view mirror and horn in good operating condition YES

•Multi-beam headlight for 1978 models and later to remain on at all times NO
Headlamp is not required for daytime, and a single beam headlight is adequate for night driving.

•Tail light and license plate light NO
A taillamp is not required unless riding at night. A stoplamp is required but only needs to be half as bright as a motorcycle stoplamp.

•Front and rear turn signals for 1973 and later models NO
Good to have but not required on a motorized bicycle.

•Passenger footrests allowing any passenger to place feet on them YES
True, but only if you carry a passenger. A passenger seat is also required.
 
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bairdco

a guy who makes cool bikes
Aug 18, 2009
6,537
264
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living the dream in southern california
(quote:)•To obtain an M-1 or M-2 endorsement, the driver must:
◦Pass the appropriate written exam
◦Pass riding skills test (DMV will accept certificate of competence from an approved novice motorcyclist training program instead of skills test, such as the California Motorcyclist Safety Program). (end quote.)

...as far as this part goes, lemme know how hard the overworked people at the DMV laugh at you when you ride up on a bicycle and ask to take the riding skills test...
 

butchatron

New Member
Jul 22, 2009
54
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47
kentucky
If you have a valid AZ licence, proving your from AZ, not a resident of CA, I don't think they can impose their regulations on you if you're just visiting. It would be like ticketing an out of state driver on vacation for not having a front license plate.