California Bicycle Vehicle Code

California state electric bike laws definition legal operation.

California bicycle vehicle code. Definition of electric bike. Per the california ca vehicle code electric bicycles are classified as conventional bicycles. The california vehicle code contains the state laws that specify where and how bikes must operate. California vehicle code 21200 a states that bicycle riders have all the rights and are subject to all the responsibilities and duties as drivers of vehicles.

Electric bikes must not exceed 1000w and must not exceed 20 mph on level ground. Shc sections 885 886 887 888 8 and 890 894 2. Bicycle law in california is the parts of the california vehicle code that set out the law for persons cycling in california and a subset of bicycle law in the united states in general pretty much all the same rights and responsibilities that apply to car drivers apply to bicycle riders as well. A 1 a person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division including but not limited to provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs and by division 10 commencing with section 20000 section 27400 division 16 7.

Specific sections of the c v c defining rules and laws for pedestrian and bicycle travel are described below. Vehicle code 21200 vc california s vehicle laws applicable to bicycle riders. For the most part bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This section makes it a crime to ride a bicycle on a highway while under the influence of alcohol drugs or both.

Operation of bicycles 21200 21213 article 4 added by stats. While there are many laws on cycling we believe the ones listed below are the most important california bicycle laws. Vehicle code 21200 5 vc is the california statute that defines the crime of cycling under the influence. Where you can ride.

Information for bicyclists california vehicle code and streets and highway code cvc sections 21200 21212 and 39000 39011. Below for your benefit we summarize the key sections of the law that relate to cycling. These and other cycling laws can be found in the california vehicle code which we abbreviate as cvc we provide links to the each section of the code cited below. A conviction is a misdemeanor that can be punished by a 250 00 fine but carries no actual jail time.

Top ten california bicycle laws every cyclist should know. 1 this means for example bicyclists must perform such actions as. The california vehicle code c v c is a rulebook containing information about traffic laws in california. California vehicle code vc 21201 equipment requirements posted by on may 4 2012 opinions in blog posts are the sole opinions of the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of 1 800 nocuffs and the kavinoky law firm.