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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 25650.5 Modulating 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)
One required by law; California Vehicle Code Section 26709
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
Required by law; California Vehicle Code Section 27803
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
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