California Motorcycle Handbook - Antevia

INTRODUCTIONThis booklet supplements theCalifornia Driver Handbookconcerning traffic laws, safedriving rules, and driver licenses.Study the California DriverHandbook as well as thissupplement.This supplement providesinformation for both novice andexperienced drivers of two-wheelvehicles. Portions of this bookletwhich deal with safe drivingpractices (rather than traffic laws)were developed initially by theNational Public ServicesResearch Institute in cooperationwith the Motorcycle SafetyFoundation (MSF).The Motorcycle SafetyFoundation, California HighwayPatrol (CHP), CaliforniaMotorcyclist Safety Program,various motorcyclist enthusiastgroups, and the Department ofMotor Vehicles (DMV) all agreethat improved licensing, alongwith quality motorcycle ridereducation and increased publicawareness, has the potential toreduce the number and severityof motorcycle accidents.When using this handbook,remember that it is only asummary of the laws andregulations. DMV, lawenforcement, and courts followthe full and exact language of thelaw contained in the CaliforniaVehicle Code.TWO-WHEEL VEHICLEOPERATIONThe basic rules of the roadcontained in the Vehicle Codeapply to all two-wheel vehicleswhich include motorcycles,motor-driven cycles, mopeds, orbicycles with a motor attached.Minibikes, tote-goats, trail bikes,and similar vehicles may fallwithin the definition ofmotorcycle, motor-driven cycle,or motorized bicycle. If any ofthese vehicles are operated on ahighway, they must meetapplicable equipment,registration, licensing, andoperation requirements, ifrequired.Do not ride a moped on a freeway,bicycle path or trail, equestrian(horse) trail, hiking trail, orrecreational trail unless that pathor trail is on or next to a road orpermission to use the trail orroadway is granted by local law.MOTORCYCLESA motorcycle:• Has a seat for the rider and isdesigned to travel on not morethan three wheels. Exception: Amotorcycle with a two-wheeledsidecar is also considered amotorcycle.• Can also be electricallypowered with a maximum speedof 45 miles per hour and weighless than 2,500 pounds.2