Ride in Ca. With No Drivers License ???

[Forbisher]

I guess he didn't read the CHP website
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/motors.html
where it says you need a license and a DOT motorcycle helmet

[Mountainman]

I guess he didn't read the CHP website
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/motors.html
where it says you need a license and a DOT motorcycle helmet

am I reading that right -- in that CHP site
under 406b
first it says -- no drivers license required
then it says M-2 required

as many times as I have seen that
it still makes me dizzy !!!

meanwhile
Ride That Thing Mountainman

[haydeon]

Direct quote from the page you cited:

Motorized Bicycle (Section 406(b) VC)

"Driver's License not required but rider must be at least 16 years of age."

I talked to a CHP cop on the phone and he said all I need is a helmet.

No licence, registration, etc.

The vehicle code further defines a motorized bicycle that you don't need a licence for as being under 2 hp and only capable of doing 20 mph on a level surface.

I agree it's a little confusing, but I talked to a CHP officer and found the information on two CA websites documenting what he said.

A friend of mine got stopped by an HSU cop and the cop called CHP for verification and let him go without a ticket.

I figure if you print out the page from DMV, CHP or CA GOV and show it to the cop, he'll let you go. But read it carefully and be prepared to explain how you fit into the non-applicable categories.

[Forbisher]

I would like that the facts were that you didn't need a license
but I don't think that is correct......

Hi forbisher --- I think this is what the CHP site is stating --

406-a (which includes many of our gas bikes - requires a license and a motorcycle helmet...

406-b (elect. bikes) bicycle helmet needed and no license required...

Yes, it is very confusing and most cops don't know much
about it.

[MotorbikeMike]

Hello, over and over when someone new comes along, this happens.

#1 go to this page http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/plates/specialplates.htm

#2 read this section Moped

#3 follow this link ........This permanent plate is mandatory on motorized bicycles. For more information about Moped plates including an application, follow this link.

Statutory Authority: VC §§406, 5030

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg230.htm

#4 do what it ells you to do.

#5 report back here, and tell us what we already know;

M2 or better,
DOT helmet,
Less than 30mph on level ground,
Single cylinder, capable of human propulsion i.e. pedals
Single-speed or no more than 2-speed fully automatic transmission incapable of being manually shifted,
Less than 2 gross brake HP
2 or 3 wheels

The 20mph tells me that the officer quoated 406A which is electric only, you are 406B, if gas.

thanks for co-operating, and keeping the heat low for the rest of us.

Mike

[Mountainman]

you are right Mike

I think in your comments above you have your 406a and 406b mixed up
no big thing -- you are probably getting dizzy from all the times explained

406a refers to gas ------- 406b refers to elect

ride that thing Mountainman

[Mountainman]

I agree it's a little confusing, but I talked to a CHP officer and found the information on two CA websites documenting what he said.

that is the information that many would wish to see

do you mind sharing that ?

Happy Riding from - Mountainman

[haydeon]

I posted the links to the pages of the vehicle code the officer directed me to above. But now I've reread them and agree with others who have pointed out that the law requires a license for gas powered but not for electric powered.

My problem now is how to operate an electric bicycle without a license when it says your elecric motor can't propel the bike over 20 mph on level ground or help you go over 20 mph when you're pedaling. Maybe I don't know how fast I'm going, but it seems like I probably get over 20 mph pretty regularly without any motor.

Hmmmmm..... I'm just trying to beat the wind man! Maybe I should just man up and take it head on without motorized assistance.

[Forbisher]

My problem now is how to operate an electric bicycle without a license when it says your elecric motor can't propel the bike over 20 mph on level ground or help you go over 20 mph when you're pedaling. Maybe I don't know how fast I'm going, but it seems like I probably get over 20 mph pretty regularly without any motor.

Don't worry about it....
No one is going to notice how fast you are going on an electric bike
as long as you aren't doing anything too crazy
They probably won't even notice that it is an electric bike

Wear a helmet, use lights at night and you will never get stopped or hasseled

How are the cops in Arcata?
Most cops don't have a clue about laws governing motorized or
electric bicycles.

If you can recharge it at the other end of your commute you
should be fine for range

Mountainman has been riding around without a license in CA on
a $400 Staton Subaru Robbin 4 stroke friction drive kit without
getting in trouble so far.
If you are a risk taker and rebel you could probably get away
with doing the same
Its a low profile motorised bike......

[stude13]

license? we dont need no stinkin license!