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WHAT IS THE LAW?

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SKATEBOARDS ROLLERBLADES AND SCOOTERS
scooter

108550 H&S A "toy" is defined as "an article designed and made for the amusement of a child or for his or her use in play.

467 CVC A pedestrian is defined as anyone that is "afoot" or is using: a means propelled by human power other than a bike, electric wheelchair, motorized quadricycle etc.

Pedestrians and operators of Skateboards, Rollerblades and scooters must obey all rules of the road. This includes laws regarding pedestrian traffic, signs and signals, including speed limit and stop signs, yield right-of-way signs and traffic signals.

REGISTRATION (No registration or license for this equipment is required by the City of Huntington Beach.)
EQUIPMENT
  • Helmet Required for anyone under 18 who uses a inline or rollerskates, skateboard, non-motorized scooter is required to wear a bicycle helmet (per 21212(a) CVC). It could save your life.
OPERATOR'S LICENSE (no operator's license required)
ADDITIONAL RULES
  • Prohibited in Business District: Additionally in Huntington Beach, skating and skate boarding is prohibited in a business district (s.a. downtown) (10.20.042(a) HBMC).
  • Dangerous Skating: is also prohibited when the activity (1) threatens injury to property or persons (2)Hazard or obstruct to private or public property (3) loud unreasonable noise (10.20.042(b) HBMC).
  • Prohibited on Pier: Riding SCOOTERS, ROLLER SKATES SKATEBOARDS on the Pier or pier plaza prohibited (13.08.290(c) HBMC)
  • Prohibited in Parks: No person shall...ride or drive a bicycle, skateboard or roller skates upon any tennis, handball, basketball, shuffleboard or multipurpose court in a City park (13.48.060(a) HBMC)
  • Speed on Beach Service Road: During times of high traffic (as indicated by a flashing yellow light and signs), riding bicycles, skateboards and other wheeled conveyance shall not travel over 2.5 mph (13.08.280(c)(2) HBMC).

Many other California laws and Huntington Beach Municipal Codes may be applicable. Do your research before riding.

 

BICYCLES

231 CVC: A Bicycle is a device upon which any person may ride, propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain, or gears and having one or more wheels.

Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway must obey all rules of the road, signs and signals, including speed limit and stop signs, yield right-of-way signs and traffic signals (21200(a) CVC).

REGISTRATION (No registration or license for this equipment is required by the City of Huntington Beach.) Note: Bicycles are serialized. Take note of this number, make, model and description. This information can be useful in the future in case the bicycle is stolen.
EQUIPMENT
  • Helmet: Anyone under 18 who uses a bicycle is required to wear a bicycle helmet (per 21212(a) CVC). Wear a helmet! They save lives.
  • Brakes are required (21201(a) CVC)
  • Handlebars height shall not be above shoulders (21201(b) CVC)
  • Bicycle Seat required for driver (21204(a) CVC) and for passengers (21204(b) CVC)
  • Seat height: must be able safely stop & to put one foot on ground when stopped (21201(c) CVC)
  • DOT approved headlamp is required when riding during darkness(21201(d)(1) CVC)
  • Rear Reflector is required (21201(d)(2) CVC)
  • Pedal Reflectors are required(21201(d)(3) CVC)
  • Forward and rear side reflectors are required (21201(d)(4) CVC)
OPERATOR'S LICENSE (no operator's license required)
ADDITIONAL RULES
  • Bicycle Lanes must be utilized when available (21208(a) CVC)
  • Must ride on right side of road (21650.1 CVC)
  • Riding Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs prohibited (21200.5 CVC)
  • Prohibited in Business District: In Huntington Beach, riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in business district, adjacent to schools, churches, recreational centers, playgrounds is prohibited (10.84.160 HBMC)
  • Prohibited in Pier: Riding or locking your bicycle onto pier or pier plaza is prohibited (13.08.290(f) HBMC)
  • Prohibited in Parks: No person shall operate, drive, ride, park or leave standing any automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor scooter, motorized bicycle, gocart or any other motor vehicle or any other vehicle at any time in any park...Nor shall any person ride or drive a bicycle, skateboard or roller skates upon any tennis, handball, basketball, shuffleboard or multipurpose court in a City park (13.48.060(a) HBMC)

Bicycle licenses are no longer required. Many other California laws and Huntington Beach Municipal Codes are applicable. Do your research before riding.

 

MOTORIZED BOARDS (GOPEDS) AND MOTORIZED SCOOTERS

CVC 407.5. (a) A "motorized scooter" is any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and is powered by an electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion... (b) A device meeting the definition in subdivision (a) that is powered by a source other than electrical power (s.a. gasoline motor) is also a motorized scooter.

Recently a number of manufacturers have been selling scooters with electric and gasoline powered motors. These companies market such scooters for outdoor recreation and short distance travel. A person operating a motorized scooter is not required to be licensed (12804.9 CVC). However, motorized scooters are subject to follow all rules of the road (21221 CVC). Some additional laws applicable to Motorized boards, gopeds and scooters are:

REGISTRATION A motorized scooter is not a motorized vehicle and is exempt from registration and proof of financial responsibility requirements (21224(a) CVC).
EQUIPMENT
  • Must wear Bicycle helmet (regardless of age) (21235 (c) CVC)
  • Must have Brakes (21235 (a) CVC)
  • Handlebars shall not be over shoulder height (21235 (h) CVC)
  • Lights and reflectors: While driving at night, must have light (21223(a)(1) CVC) rear red reflector (21223(a)(2) CVC) and side white or yellow reflectors (21223(a)(3) CVC).
OPERATOR'S LICENSE Effective January 1, 2005, the operator must be licensed.
ADDITIONAL RULES
  • Must be 16 years of age or older to ride (21235 (d) CVC)
  • Passengers are prohibited (21235 (e) CVC)
  • Operate a motorized scooter carrying any package, bundle, or article that prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars (21235 (f) CVC)
  • Riding on Sidewalk prohibited (21235 (g) CVC)
  • Leaving on sidewalk prohibited (21235 (i) CVC)
  • Towing prohibited (21235 (j) CVC)
  • Ride on right side: The operator must stay as close as practical to the right hand curb or roadway edge. (If the operator wishes to make a turn he/she must pull to the right hand curb, get off the scooter and complete the turn by walking the scooter across the street.) (21228 CVC).
  • Bicycle Lane: Any person operating a motorized scooter upon the roadway shall ride within an established bicycle lane (21229 CVC)
  • Cannot be ridden in a roadway with a speed limit over 25 miles per hour speed limit unless the motorized scooter is operated within a class II bicycle lane (Note: California Streets and Highways Section 890.4 provides the definition of the different classifications of bikeways. After researching this Code and contacting CHP, we’ve determined that most of our bikeways are in fact “Class II.” ) (21235 (b) CVC)
  • Bicycle Path: ...a motorized scooter may be operated on a bicycle path or trailway or bikeway, unless the local authority or the governing body of a local agency having jurisdiction over that path, trail, or bikeway prohibits that operation by ordinance (21230 CVC).
  • May not exceed 15 mph (22411 CVC)
  • No motorized skateboard may be propelled on any sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway or on any bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail (21968 CVC).
  • Prohibited on Beach: No motorized skateboard or vehicles on the beach, beach service road or pier allowed (13.08.280(a) HBMC)
  • Prohibited in Parks: No person shall operate, drive, ride, park or leave standing any automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor scooter, motorized bicycle, gocart or any other motor vehicle or any other vehicle at any time in any park...(13.48.060(a) HBMC)
  • DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs prohibited (21221.5 CVC)

Many other California laws and Huntington Beach Municipal Codes are applicable. Do your research before riding.

 

MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES
(POCKET BIKES)

traffic Pockets

CVC 405: A "motor-driven cycle" is any motorcycle with a (gas) motor that displaces less than 150 cubic centimeters. A motor-driven cycle does not include a motorized bicycle, as defined in Section 406.

Motor driven cycles are subject to vehicle equipment, registration, driver's license (requires M1 endorsement) and helmet requirements as stated in the California Vehicle Code.

REGISTRATION However based on their definition, they cannot be registered. Motor driven cycles are exempt from proof of financial responsibility laws. Manufacturers of these vehicles typically do not issue a 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number and intend they are to be operated only on private property and are not for use on a highway. Driving such a unregistered pocket bike upon a highway is a violation of 4000(a)(1) CVC. Operating such a vehicle improperly equipt upon a highway is a violation of 24002(b) CVC. Note, even if a VIN is attached and the vehicle is sold as a motor vehicle, the rules of the road still apply.
EQUIPMENT
  • It is unlawful to operate any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is not equipped as provided in the Vehicle Code (24002(b)CVC)
  • Tail lamp required (24600(a) CVC)
  • Battery to power tail lamps for 15 minutes without engine required (24253(b) CVC)
  • Stop lamp required (24603(a) CVC)
  • Red rear reflector required (24607(a) CVC)
  • Lighted headlamp required when engine is running (25650.5 CVC)
  • Headlamp required (Department of Transportation (DOT) approved) (26103 CVC) mounted between 22 - 54 inches above ground (24400 CVC).
  • Brakes on both wheels required (26311 CVC)
  • Mirrors required (26709 CVC)
  • Horn required (27000 CVC)
  • Muffler to prevent excessive or unusual noise required (27150 CVC)
  • Fuel tank cap required (27155 CVC)
  • Tire tread less than 1/32 inches on any two adjacent grooves prohibited (27465(b)(1) CVC)
  • DOT tires required (27501(d) CVC)
  • Helmets: Driver & passengers must wear DOT approved motorcycle helmet (27803(a) CVC)
OPERATOR'S LICENSE Driver must have license with a M1 endorsement (12500(b) CVC) and the vehicle of violator may be stored by law enforcement 22651(p) CVC. The operator must be licensed (12500(a)CVC) in order to get such an endorsement.
ADDITIONAL RULES
  • Prohibited on Beach: No motorized skateboard or vehicles on the beach, beach service road or pier allowed (13.08.280(a) HBMC)
  • Prohibited in Parks: No person shall operate, drive, ride, park or leave standing any automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor scooter, motorized bicycle, gocart or any other motor vehicle or any other vehicle at any time in any park...(13.48.060(a) HBMC)
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs prohibited (23152(a) CVC)

Many other California laws apply. Do your research before riding.

 

MOPEDS or MOTORIZED BICYCLES

Mopeds
mopeds

CVC 406 (a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor which produces less than 2 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.

Mopeds and Motorized Bicycles are subject to vehicle equipment, registration, driver's license (requires M2 endorsement) and helmet requirements as stated in the California Vehicle Code. Mopeds are motorized vehicles (both gas and electric) and must follow all rules of the road. Moped and Motorized bicycles are exempt from proof of financial responsibility laws. Some of the laws governing mopeds are listed below:

REGISTRATION
  • A vehicle defined in CVC 406(a) must be registered.
  • A vehicle as defined in CVC 406(b) is exempt from registration requirements (12804.9 CVC)
EQUIPMENT
  • Tail lamp required (24600(a) CVC)
  • Battery to power tail lamps for 15 minutes without engine required (24253(b) CVC)
  • Stop lamp required (24603(a) CVC)
  • Red rear reflector required (24607(a) CVC)
  • Lighted headlamp required when engine is running (25650.5 CVC)
  • Headlamp required (Department of Transportation (DOT) approved) (26103 CVC) mounted between 22 - 54 inches above ground (24400 CVC).
  • Brakes on both wheels required (26311 CVC)
  • Mirrors required (26709 CVC)
  • Horn required (27000 CVC)
  • Muffler to prevent excessive or unusual noise required (27150 CVC and 24015(b) CVC)
  • Fuel tank cap required (27155 CVC)
  • Tire tread less than 1/32 inches on any two adjacent grooves prohibited (27465(b)(1) CVC)
  • DOT tires required (27501(d) CVC)
  • Driver and passengers must wear a Bicycle Helmet (24016 (b)(1) CVC & 27803(a) CVC)
  • Modify to increase speed capability (24016(c) CVC)
  • It is unlawful to operate any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is not equipped as provided in the Vehicle Code (24002(b)CVC)
OPERATOR'S LICENSE
  • Driver of a vehicle defined in CVC 406(a) must have license with a M2 endorsement (12500(b) CVC) and the violator's vehicle may be stored by law enforcement 22651(p) CVC. The operator must be licensed (12500(a)CVC) in order to get such an endorsement.
  • Driver of a vehicle defined in CVC 406(b) are exempt from driver's license, insurance and registration requirements (12804.9 CVC)
ADDITIONAL RULES
  • Prohibited on Beach: No motorized skateboard or vehicles on the beach, beach service road or pier allowed (13.08.280(a) HBMC)
  • Prohibited in Parks: No person shall operate, drive, ride, park or leave standing any automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor scooter, motorized bicycle, gocart or any other motor vehicle or any other vehicle at any time in any park...(13.48.060(a) HBMC)
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs prohibited (23152(a) CVC)

Many other California laws and Huntington Beach Municipal Codes are applicable. Do your research before riding.

 

 

CVC 406 (b) A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that meets all of the following requirements:

  • (1) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.
  • (2) Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on ground level.
  • (3) Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than 20 miles per hour.
MOTORCYCLES

400 (a) CVC A "motorcycle" is any motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, and weighing less than 1,500 pounds....

(c) A motor vehicle that is electrically powered, has a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour, and weighs less than 2,500 pounds, is a motorcycle...

Motorcycles are motorized vehicles and must follow all the rules of the road. Some of the laws governing motorcycles are listed below:

REGISTRATION
EQUIPMENT
  • Tail lamp required (24600(b) CVC)
  • Handlebars shall not exceed height of shoulders (27801(b) CVC)
  • Mirror (at least one) (26709(a)CVC)
  • Horn required (27000 CVC)
  • Low Vehicle: modified as to make any part lower than height of wheel rim (24008 CVC)
  • Brakes: one required for each wheel (26311a(6) CVC)
  • Headlamp(s): during darkness (25650 CVC) mounted 24 to 54 inches above ground (24400 CVC)
  • Helmets: Driver and passengers must wear a DOT approved motorcycle helmet (27803(a) CVC)
  • Exhaust: Required (not loud or with bypass) (27150 CVC), must not be modified to increase noise (27151 CVC), mufflers shall not be directed to the side between 2 and 11 feet above ground (27152 CVC) and mufflers shall not emit flame, smoke oil, gas or fuel residue (27153 CVC).
  • Gas Cap: non combustible cap (27155 CVC)
  • License Plate: one attached to rear (5200 CVC) and have a license plate light (24601CVC
OPERATOR'S LICENSE Driver must have license with a M1 endorsement (12500(b) CVC) and the vehicle of violator may be stored by law enforcement (22651(p) CVC) The operator must be licensed (12500(a)CVC) in order to get such an endorsement.
ADDITIONAL RULES
  • Parking: one wheel or fender must touch curb (22502 CVC)
  • Passengers must sit to rear, use footpegs (27800 CVC)
  • Prohibited on Beach: No motorized skateboard or vehicles on the beach, beach service road or pier allowed (13.08.280(a) HBMC)
  • Prohibited in Parks: No person shall operate, drive, ride, park or leave standing any automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor scooter, motorized bicycle, gocart or any other motor vehicle or any other vehicle at any time in any park...(13.48.060(a) HBMC)
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs prohibited (23152(a) CVC)

Many other California laws apply. Do your research before riding.

 

GOLF CARTS & LOW SPEED VEHICLES

Gold Cart
© 2003 Ingersoll-Rand Company

CVC 345 A "golf cart" is a motor vehicle not having less than 3 wheels in contact with the ground having an unladen weight less than 1300 lbs. which is designed to be and is operated at no more than 15 mph and designed to carry golf equipment and not more than 2 persons including the driver.

385.5 CVC A "Low Speed Vehicle" is a motor vehicle...having 4 wheels on the ground and an unladen weight of 1800 lbs. or less that is capable of propelling itself at a minimum speed of 20 mph and a maximum speed of 25 mph, on a paved level surface. For the purposes of this
section, a "low-speed vehicle" is not a golf cart, except when
operated pursuant to Section 21115 or 21115.1. A "low-speed vehicle"
is also known as a "neighborhood electric vehicle."

low speed vehicle
Photo courtesy Gem, L.L.C.

(Please refer to California Vehicle Code Sections 21250 - 21266)

REGISTRATION Motor vehicles must be registered with the DMV to drive on the roadway
EQUIPMENT
OPERATOR'S LICENSE the driver must be licensed through DMV
ADDITIONAL RULES "low-speed" vehicles are "subject to all the provisions applicable to a motor vehicle, and the driver of a low-speed vehicle is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle".

21250. For the purposes of this article, a low-speed vehicle means
a vehicle as defined in Section 385.5. A "low-speed vehicle" is also
known as a "neighborhood electric vehicle."

21251. Except as provided in Sections 1963 to 1963.8, inclusive, of
the Streets and Highways Code, and Sections 4023, 21115, and
21115.1, a low-speed vehicle is subject to all the provisions
applicable to a motor vehicle, and the driver of a low-speed vehicle
is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a motor
vehicle or other vehicle, when applicable, by this code or any other
code, with the exception of those provisions which, by their very
nature, can have no application.

21252. A vehicle dealer, selling a low-speed vehicle, shall provide
to the buyer a disclosure statement regarding the operation of the
vehicle that is in compliance with existing provisions of the
California Code of Regulations.

21253. A low-speed vehicle operated or parked on the roadway shall
at all times meet federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards established
for low-speed vehicles in Section 571.500 of Title 49 of the Code of
Federal Regulations.

21254. A motor vehicle that was originally designated as a
low-speed vehicle and that has been modified or altered to exceed 25
miles per hour shall not qualify for the relaxed federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards established for low-speed vehicles and
instead shall meet all federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for a
passenger vehicle.

21260. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b),
or in an area where a neighborhood electric vehicle transportation
plan has been adopted pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section
1963) of Division 2.5 of the Streets and Highways Code, the operator
of a low-speed vehicle shall not operate the vehicle on any roadway
with a speed limit in excess of 35 miles per hour.
(b) (1) The operator of a low-speed vehicle may cross a roadway
with a speed limit in excess of 35 miles per hour if the crossing
begins and ends on a roadway with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour
or less and occurs at an intersection of approximately 90 degrees.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the operator of a low-speed
vehicle shall not traverse an uncontrolled intersection with any
state highway unless that intersection has been approved and
authorized by the agency having primary traffic enforcement
responsibilities for that crossing by a low-speed vehicle.

21266. (a) Notwithstanding Section 21260, local authorities, by
ordinance or resolution, may restrict or prohibit the use of
low-speed vehicles.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 21260, a local law enforcement agency
with primary traffic enforcement responsibilities or the Department
of the California Highway Patrol may prohibit the operation of a
low-speed vehicle on any roadway under that agency's or department's
jurisdiction when the agency or the department deems the prohibition
to be in the best interest of public safety. Any such prohibition
shall become effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof
are erected upon the roadway.


(C) Photo by Segway L.L.C

 


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