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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

California The Golden State - Motorcycle Laws

California Highway Patrol
  • Helmet: Required by LAW, all riders. Do something about it!
  • Helmet Reflectorization: Not required
  • Handlebar Height: Handgrips up to 6" above shoulder height
  • Eye Protection: Not Required
  • Turn Signals: Required, must use if equipped
  • Daytime Use of Headlight: Required for all models 1978 and later
  • Modulating Headlight: Permitted
  • Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law
  • Helmet Speakers: Single earphone only
  • Earplugs: Permitted, No Restriction effective 1/1/04
  • Muffler: Muffler required. No muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device (27150. Adequate Muffler Required).
  • Decibels/Maximum Sound: Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel:1)Pre-1970..92dba; 2) After 1969, and before 1973...88dba; 3) After 1972, and before 1975...86dba; 4) After 1974, and before 1986...83dba; 5) After 1985...80dba (27201-27202. Motorcycle Limits).
  • Passenger Age Restrictions: None
  • Passenger Seat: Required if carrying passenger
  • Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying passenger
  • Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: YES
  • Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Permissible if conducted in a safe and prudent manner
  • Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes
  • Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(15/30/5) - Financial responsibility required. A driver involved in an accident who fails to prove existence of financial responsibility at time of accident shall have driver's license suspended for 1 year.
  • Periodic Safety Inspection: Random, required by law
  • State Funded Rider Education: Available for all eligible applicants, required under age 21,
  • Rider Education Waiver: Skills test waived for successful completion
  • Radar Detector: No Restriction
  • MIRT, Mobile Infra Red Transmitter: Illegal to use or possess
  • Department of Transportation: Caltrans http://www.dot.ca.gov/
  • Department of Motor Vehicles:  www.dmv.ca.gov
  • Highway Patrol Website: http://www.chp.ca.gov/
  • Motorcyclist Rights Organization: http://www.abate.org