Calif laws (enforcement) still messed up

When you talk about "things" around the mountain dude
it's apt to inspire verses in the multitude......

james I agree about riding responsibly, in spades, but I wonder how much of the total picture that is. How do we define MBs? Are we talking about the 49cc HTs or small utility engine rack mounts? We have bikes being built now with bigger and bigger engines, 79cc 99cc 100+cc 4 strokes, 5 hp, 9 hp, 11hp morini engines. SomeTHING of a mission creep is going on and more of it falls outside the basic-the under 50cc under 2 hp automatic trans- guidelines of states that have moped/mb definitions already on the books. Responsible riding is a great mantra but that alone is not going to get LEOs to overlook the fact that a MB is really a small motorcycle.

1st, it seems my sprocket that controls my spontanious poetic aptitude is broken :( .

Anyway most states have statues that limit the speeds and engine power of certain mopeds such as ours and for a very good reason - our safety and public safety. 30 MPH is really a good limit for our converted bicycles just because physics alone places limitations on most of them. Most bicycle frames, braking systems, tires, wheels (including bearings) etc. that we put these engine kits on are not designed to to be used beyond what is possible under even some extreme capabilities of human propulsion. The more we push beyond that the higher the chances of catastrophic failure of the major components. Vibration is a major factor in causing metal fatigue in fastenters, welded joints and whatnot. The stresses that the front forks must absorb when rolling over bumps, debris in the road are far greater at higher speeds than lower speeds not to mention the stresses that occur in the front wheel bearings.

I read about all these folks out there putting engines with displacements of 60CC, 80CC, 100CC, and even 160CC on a bicycle and wonder about the structural integrity of the bike they are putting them on under the power these engines can produce not to mention the braking capabilities of the added weight in relation to speed. The primary focus of law enforcement officers regarding vehicles on the street is public safety so it should come to no surprise that those out there with large engines on bicycles will easily attract the attention of police.

What you referred to as 'mission creep' I kinda of see as an exercise in hormonal dominance - ie it's testosterone related.
 
Last edited:
disclaimer

disclaimer
if we note in the email I sent to the police and their nice letter back
I stated 1.6 hp
we need to face the facts that
most engins on this site are not that tiny
thus
we get into more grey area more black area
and then as I have heard here in town at least once
the police took (impounded) a guys 66 cc
they said no way legal in this town
MM​
 
California law.

I've been going through the Ca. DMV site and V.C. codes for almost four years now. Here's what I've found.
DMV sec. 406. We all know what that says, I wont get into it again.
DMV sec. 24016. Equipment safety. Again, No need to get into it. It has nothing to do with license or registration.
What we really need to look at is DMV sec's 5032 and 5037 which both state that a "special plate" is required. REQUIRED means you MUST have one. No way around it. It has a code and section that is plain for anyone to read.
The next DMV section we have to look at is 12804.9 under Examination and driving test classifications. 12804.9 (J), (5). (A)class M-2 includes the following. (i) a motorized bicycle or moped, or a bicycle with an attached motor except a motorized bicycle described in subdivision (b) of section 406.
Subdivision (b) of 406 deals with ELECTRIC powered bikes. If you bike falls within subdivision (a) of section 406 then california state law (12804.9) requires a motorized bicycle rider to have a M-2 license.
Sorry you guy's, The law is the law and I've shown you where to find it. Now YOU decide how you want to roll. Personally, I've been riding these things for a long time and have NEVER had a M-1 or M-2. BUT the argument IS OVER. there is a law, There is a code, End of discusion about license and registration.
Thanks,
Big Red.
 
Last edited:
the best I got it
we should have a M-2 license in Calif to ride
yet when I went to DMV and took the written M-2 test
passed
then the guy said to make an appointment
to take the motor cycle riding test
I told him I have a motorized bicycle
he went to his supervisor
she yelled back at me that "I do not need a license"
and threw my just passed test into the waste basket ??

they don't know their heads from a hole in the ground !!

(((((((((( Ride It Hard and Put It Away Wet ))))))))))

Mountainman​

There is a code, End of discusion about license and registration.
Thanks,
Big Red.

The Man From the mountain first said
He did as the law bade
But a lady who not knowing the law
Said he was full of Slaw
Her head in the ground he said
because a M-2 is needed the law read

In other words we know that.....his problem is that the DMV lady did not and told him it was not needed.
 
supervisors working the Calif DMV knows not everyTHING


In other words we know that.....his problem is that the DMV lady did not and told him it was not needed.

you hit it Stan
there is one of my problems
even supervisors working the Calif DMV knows not everyTHING
I also know what is written in the law
that is why I took my DMV M2 test
interesting though
did you guys check out the email above from the pooolice
stating I could ride without a license ????????
I did not post my only letter have another one also

EVEN THE POOOLICE AT TIMES DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE LAWS ARE

Ride That Thing

MM
 
Ca. law

The problem my friends is that DMV workers are HIGHLY PAID, underskilled workers. They are contracted to and by the state of California to take care of and process all of the paperwork involved in vehicle registration and drivers license. Most of them are lucky to have a G.E.D. I know it should NOT be our responsibility to educate these people, but next time one of us goes down to get a license or plate, take their own codes and sections with you to show them. THEN if they still refuse you a plate or license, demand that they give you an official explaination on DMV letterhead paper why they refused to license or register you UNDER THE "REQUIRED" LAW. I sure would like to see what they had to say about that.
A San Jo police sargent pointed out to me just the other day that I was supposed to have a M-2, but he didn't really have time to deal with this kind of petty thing. (His own words.)
As long as the cops leave me alone about it I'll just keep riding without any of that garbage on my bike or in my pocket. BUT, I'm sure there are some folks out there that would feel more comfortable being completly legal. Getting the proper plates and license for a motorized should NOT be this difficult.
Just my 2 cents,
Big Red.
 
They are contracted to and by the state of California to take care of and process all of the paperwork involved in vehicle registration and drivers license. Big Red.

they are State employees
entitled to all State employee benifits
paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid (most) holidays, nice retirement plan

many City and State departments are going out to bid
thus out for contract
DMV is one deptment I think that they will hold on to
it is a real money maker
no matter how slow they go
or what they really know about the law
 
You're dealing with a bunch of government bureaucrats who
have absolutely NOTHING to gain or lose if you become
legal or not on a motorized bicycle. I doubt they could care less.
No skin off their backs if you get into trouble with the 'man'
so the next time the folks at the DMV tell you that you don't
need a license and all that fun **** and throw your M2 test in the
trash DEMAND THAT ASSERTION IN WRITING on official DMV letterhead.
Then the next time the 'man' stops to chastize you for not having the
proper paperwork at least you'll have something to show them on your part.
After all, it is our responsibility to ride our MABs legally.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Close to political discussions we are at,
The combustion Chamber is the place for that.

Lets be careful here,
and Rant fully there.
 
Ca. Law.

You're dealing with a bunch of government bureaucrats who
have absolutely NOTHING to gain or lose if you become
legal or not on a motorized bicycle. I doubt they could care less.
No skin off their backs if you get into trouble with the 'man'
so the next time the folks at the DMV tell you that you don't
need a license and all that fun **** and throw your M2 test in the
trash DEMAND THAT ASSERTION IN WRITING on official DMV letterhead.
Then the next time the 'man' stops to chastize you for not having the
proper paperwork at least you'll have something to show them on your part.
After all, it is our responsibility to ride our MABs legally.

J.B.36,
Look two post's up. I already said that.
Thanks,
Big Red.
 
Back
Top