The Real Deal on California Law.

well said.

the law states we DON'T need turn signals, though, but still need a horn

the main cop in NB that hassled me told me as long as you have the plate, helmet, and M2 (or M1) the rest is just equipment violations (fix-it tickets) and they can't impound your bike.
 
rkwfxd said:
Hmmm, I just got interested in motorized bikes and I just read the Ca Vehicle Code myself and read specifically that motorized bicycles are exempt for operator license, vehicle registration and insurance. The only requirements were that you wore a helmet and were at least 16 years old.

I can't remember the section but I will look it up again next week.

(3) A person operating a motorized bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this code relating to financial responsibility, driver's licenses, registration, and license plate requirements, and a motorized bicycle is not a motor vehicle.
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The sections you quote above only apply to ELECTRIC BICYCLES with pedals.
Most of the codes you quote are irrelevant to gas bikes.

CVC 406 (a) Gas bikes need:
DOT helmet
M1 or M2 license
$19 license plate [DMV Reg 230 form has the 4 basic questions that need a yes answer to be a motorized bike] http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg230.htm
Left side mirror
Red rear reflector
Lights for riding at night
Some kind of horn.

Yes, you do not need insurance on a gas bike.

We have been doing this for years and know the laws
and how it really works out on the streets.
Some of us learnt the hard way with tickets! LOL

Not a huge issue for me as I have had a MC license for over 30 years now btu I still want to know what is legal and not legal per the code and court, not per each individual officer that stops me.
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Read this thread and you will figure it out
Yes, most cops, DMV drones, etc do not know the laws.
 
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everything you've posted applies to 406(b), which is electric bicycles.

i took this out of the beginning of your post:

"24016. (a) A motorized bicycle described in subdivision (b) of Section 406 shall meet the following criteria:..."


"subdivison (b)" means 406(b), which relates to electrics. gas motors are 406(a).

it can be confusing, but it's all been gone over a dozen times in this thread already.
 
rkwfxd said:
I apologize for the confusion.
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Hey, no problem and thanks for deleting all those codes.
This is a touchy subject around here, LOL

It is confusing to someone new trying to figure it out,
but we have done it for you.

Welcome to the forum, motorbikes are a lot of fun!
 
Frankenstien Bikes said:
Hi Bimoped, first off thanks for all your info in the "The real deal california law" thread on here. I have a few questions on the DMV MOTORIZED BIKE APPLICATION,

• VEHICLE VIN, is the bike serial correct?
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Yes.
Frankenstien Bikes said:
• Engine Number? All my grubee skyhawkgt5 has is the date number tag on the clutch arm cover. Do we use that date for Engine number?
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No, do not use that date as all the motors in that batch will have
the same numbers.
Use the bike serial with an E in front of it. = EXXXXXXXX
Frankenstien Bikes said:
• MAKE, Do I put make of bike manufacturer, or Engine manufacturer, or Both?

Thanks again for your time,
Brian.
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I just put the bike manufacturer like Schwinn or Felt
 
Rats!


I'd hate to get violations.


Why are people saying we don't need anything then?

Confusing but citations are not fun..
 
hey, thought i would chime in on this. i used to argue that its "16 and have a helmet" until one day i was pulled over and then i asked they call the watch commander, he gave me a grammar lesson of how the penal code books, and DMV books and such, and explained it really nicely,along with a fat ticket. 18 dollars one time fee. 38 dollars to add the endorsement on your license. if u are getting your class c for the first time, get them both at the same time, and its still the same price. my recommendation is the MSF course, but if you are under 21, you have to take the rider course AND the riding test. i haven't heard of if you pass it on something under 300cc, that is all you are limited to, i was told its for the class license you are taking. i passed my M1 test on a 149CC scooter. trust me when i say this, riding is much less stressful (at least for me) not being worried about being stopped. i used to stick to JUST residential streets avoiding anything close to regular traffic, because the city i was ticketed in, is between mine, and my lady friends, so i couldnt just say im not gonna go through there. but needless to say. get legal.
 
CA is one of the most bike friendly states in the union.

Lane splitting is legal in CA - :)

Yeah, we get to cruise by all the cagers stuck on the freeway.

Make good use of the law. When one of your buddies wants to ride your bike, (big biker no-no) ask to see his license.

Sorry dude, you can't ride - laff
 
I don't ride motorbikes on the freeway. That would be suicide.

I ride this on the freeway.

4083977574_b03142705e_o.jpg
 
Look, I went to DMV today and I don't need a license or Registration according to the Motor cycle handbook.

Let me get that out.. Page three of the 2010 English Motorcycle handbook.
2hp or less and max30 mph.

It states "Are exempt from insurance, drivers licence and moped plate"
Need a bike helmet.

So, I take it I need nothing but common sense to ride my China Girl.

Anyone have the motorcycle handbook?
 
VC 406a = electric or gas powered.
VC 406b = electric only.
Don't be fooled by the difference.
Gas = one time license fee ($19.00) for a motorized bicycle plate.
Must have M1 or M2 endorsement on your license.
Head light, taillight, brake light, horn, mirror on left side.
Whomever you spoke with at the DMV was confusing the rules of 406b with 406a and told you bogus info. They themselves apparently cannot read and decipher their own rulebook correctly. Sad indeed.
 
GearNut said:
VC 406a = electric or gas powered.
VC 406b = electric only.
Don't be fooled by the difference.
Gas = one time license fee ($19.00) for a motorized bicycle plate.
Must have M1 or M2 endorsement on your license.
Head light, taillight, brake light, horn, mirror on left side.
Whomever you spoke with at the DMV was confusing the rules of 406b with 406a and told you bogus info. They themselves apparently cannot read and decipher their own rulebook correctly. Sad indeed.
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This is correct. I had a hard time seeing the difference at first.
 
On the DMV motorized bike application, what is everyone using for an engine number? Only nubers I see are the production date on my Grubee skyhawkGt5-SR
 
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