California Law Questions
1. Is there a certain CC, e-bike, or level of moped that can be parked on the sidewalk?
No. You can not park a motorcycle, e-bike, or moped on the sidewalk in front of a business or near a street.
2. Can pocket motorcycles be legally operated in public places in California?
No. Pocket bikes are not street legal and can only be operated on private property with the owners permission. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=21720
3. What CC motorcycle can you ride in the bike lanes?
A motorcycle can not be ridden in a bike lane unless making a turn into a business or at an intersection. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=21209
4. What is the noise ordinance for exhaust systems on motorcycles?
80 DBA for any motorcycle built after 1985. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=27202
5. Can you modify your motorcycle helmet?
No. You can not add or take anything off a DOT approved helmet. https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/unsafehelmetid/pages/page2.htm
6. Are there any limitations on handlebar height in California?
Yes. The handlebars on a motorcycle can not be more than six inches above your shoulders. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=27801
7. What custom modifications will cause a fix-it ticket?
Removing your mirrors. You have to have atleast one mirror on your motorcycle and it has to be on the left side of the motorcycle. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=26709
Modifying the lights on your motorcycle. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=26709
Removing the license plate and turn signal bracket with an after market setup. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=24951
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml? lawCode=VEH&division=3.&title=&part=&chapter=1.&article=9
Removing the turn signals off of the motorcycle. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=24951
Changing the brake light on the motorcycle. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=24603
Removing the reflectors off of the motorcycle. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=24607
Racing tires on the street. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=27465
8. What can I do with a Motorcycle Permit?
You can not ride your motorcycle at night. You can not have a passenger and you can not ride on the freeway. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/motorcycle-handbook/license-requirements/
9. When coming to a stop sign do both feet have to touch the ground in California?
No. You don’t have to put any feet down if you are able to come to a complete stop and look both directions without falling over. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=22450.
10. Do you need front and rear brakes in California?
Yes both brakes on your motorcycle have to work if the motorcycle was made after 1966. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&division=12.&title=&part=&chapter=3.&article=1 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=26453
11. Is it legal to add ground effect lighting and other decretive lighting in California?
Yes. As long as the lights are not on while on a public roadway. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=24003
12. Is it legal to add blinking lights to your motorcycle in California?
Yes. You can have a modulating headlight during the day. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&division=12.&title=&part=&chapter=2.&article=7
13. What are the laws regarding lane splitting in California?
There are no laws on how to lane split in California. The California Highway Patrol created guidelines on how to safely lane split for the motorcycle rider and other vehicles on the road. https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/california-motorcyclist-safety
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