Ride in Ca. With No Drivers License ???

[Mountainman]

Well in regards to what I have found to be A VERY GREY AREA at times -- depending on the person we ask and which dept. we go to... I have had aprox. 8 persons tell me that I can not ride in Ca. without a drivers license -- but -- have found two who say that it is legal... with some research if this is what you are looking for -- as I was --- seek and you should find. Some will not agree with this finding -- I understand.. Have a blessed day from - Mountainman

 

[Large Filipino]

Can you ride your bicycle without a license?
Well.... then... hide your engine!
But seriously,not one cop has even stopped me but that varies from state to state.
But in my own experience,follow the rules,don't be a super star,and wave at the cops like you have a license.
And as a legal note: What I typed above does not in any way make me responsible for MountainMan's expenses in the event of confrontation with the law.

 

[Mountainman]

Large Filipino --- I hear you LOUD AND CLEAR -- as always -- if something comes down -- busted -- on our own --- DON'T DO THE CRIME IF WE CAN'T DO THE TIME... Sounds so simple.. But - has proven in the past NOT TO BE !!! Something this old Mountainman needs to constantly remember !!!! Happy Riding - from Mountainman

 

[akyramoto]

Ok, i was going to post a new thread but my question kinda fits within this... ok so supposedly you need an M2 license in CA. So one of the requirements for the M2 is a 'skills' test. So there's all the stops & turns, and positioning in traffic.

ok since we're 'bicycles' and ride in the bike lanes, are they gonna have bike lanes in the test?? I mean I dont think we should have to ride in the 'street areas' because thats not how I'm going to ride when I'm actually on the road.

Basically I think it's kinda stupid that you need a license to drive a bicycle - yes it has a motor but you're still riding like a bicycle. not a moped.

what do you guys think?

 

[akyramoto]

so i'm really trying to remember what mike said ' dont ask questions, just get the M2 & be done with it.' so thats what I'm trying to do. I'm just curious how the 'skills test is going to go when show up with a whizzer for the actual test. ah, we'll see how it goes, I'll def post my experience about it.

 

[Mountainman]

At this time I have two letters from two separate law enforcement agencies in Calif. that state that anyone over the age of 16 can ride a gas motorized bicycle with less than 2 horsepower with no drivers license.. It took some digging -- research -- but, in my case it was worth the time... Happy Riding from Mountainman

 

[MikeB1]

Mountainman..is there any way to PDF those letters and post them here? It would be useful to others in California to assist convincing local police of the legality of having a "motorized bicycle". Also THANK you for digging into this really grey area. we look at this as being under the requirements on page 3 (actually page 7) of the 2008 California motorcycle hand book ( http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/dl665mcycle.pdf ) which states

There are two definitions of motorized bicycle (moped). A motorized bicycle is:
• A two- or three-wheeled device, capable of no more than 30 mph on level ground, and equipped with:
-
fully operative pedals for human propulsion.
an internal combustion engine producing less than two gross brake horse-
power and an automatic transmission.
an electric motor, with or without pedals for human propulsion. (VC Sec.406[a])
If you operate a motorized bicycle which meets the definition of
VC Sec.406, you:
• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• Must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
• Are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, driver license, and moped plate requirements (VC Sec.12804.9).
You may ride a moped in a bicycle lane at a reasonable speed. Be careful of bicyclists using the lane.


we have this page printed out and will be giving them to others in the area.

 

[Mountainman]

Mountainman..is there any way to PDF those letters and post them here? It would be useful to others in California to assist convincing local police of the legality of having a "motorized bicycle". Also THANK you for digging into this really grey area.

Hi Mike -- at this time -- there is a problem with the sharing of the information -- as follows -- I have lost my drivers license for one year.. My motorbike will be my only means of transportation.. When I was looking into this issue -- went to many sites -- some phone calls -- such as DMV -- once DMV told me it was legal to ride a small gas 1.6 hp without a license -- same question to DMV the next day -- they said no !!! Same question - two answers !!! Yes, I have found two law enforcement agencies that have stated NO DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIRED to ride a gas motorized bicycle (under 2 hp) at 20 mph... But - and here is the problem - if at this time I share their names -- I think they may get hundreds of calls -- could cause them to re-consider what they have stated to me -- them I am out of luck ! After the return of my license -- for sure I will share the information.. I hope that you all understand my situation --- Mountainman

 

[fitwthme]

not thrilled with your attitude and selfisness but hey what's new everyone is out for themselves in this lovely country that I was born and served time in.

 

[Mountainman]

If someone truly wants the information -- they should be able to find it as I did.. I am super slow in regards to computers and on a very slow phone line -- but still it was found... It is easy to judge -- but -- unless I have been in the exact situation -- maybe I should not.. Happy Biking from Mountainman