Monday, January 27, 2014

California State Motorcycle Laws

OFF THE WIRE

California State Motorcycle Laws

Road


Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States
Yes

Accept RiderEd Completion Card From Other States
No

Daytime Use of Headlight
Required for vehicles manufactured during or after 1978. California Vehicle Code Section 25650.5Modulating headlight permitted per Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, 571.108

Earplugs
No Restriction.

Eye Protection
Not Required

Handlebar Height
A person shall not drive a two-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than six inches above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat.

Helmet Speakers
Single earphone only

Lane Splitting
Authorized per California Highway Patrol.

Lemon Law Coverage
Yes; California Civil Code 1793.22(9)(e)(2) open window and scroll down.

Maximum Sound Level
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).

Mirror Left(L) Right(R)

Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane
Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

Muffler
Muffler required. No muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device (27150. Adequate Muffler Required).

Passenger Age Restriction
None

Passenger Footrest
Required if carrying a passenger

Passenger Seat
Required if carrying a passenger

Periodic Safety Inspection
Required by law - random

Radar Detector
No Restriction

Rider-Education Waiver
Skill Test

Safety Helmet

State Funded Rider Ed
Available for all eligible applicants - required under age 21

State Insurance Requirements
Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(15/30/5) - Financial responsibility requried. 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.

Turn Signals
Required by law

Off Road


Eye Protection
Not Required

Headlight
Required after sunset

Maximum Sound Level
96dB for all motorcycles manufactured on or after January 1, 1986. 98dB allowed for machines manufactured prior to January 1, 1986.

Minimum Operator Age
Operator must be able to reach all controls. Safety Certificate required under age 18 for ATV's only.

Muffler
Required by law

Operator License
Not Required

Registration
Required by law

Rider Education Certification
Required for ATV riders under age 16.

Safety Helmet
Required by law for ATV's only - Not enforced for Off-Road motorcycles unless riding on State or Federal Land - (each agency has the flexibility to enforce or not enforce the helmet law on their land.

Spark Arrestor
Required by law

Taillight
Required after sunset

Trails Program
Available

Vehicle Title
Not Required
States