FOUNTAIN VALLEY PD   


POCKET MOTORCYCLES

    

THE MOST COMMON QUESTION ABOUT POCKET MOTORCYCLES:
ARE THEY STREET LEGAL

SHORT ANSWER:  NO

Vehicle Code Section 405. A "motor-driven cycle" is any motorcycle with a motor that displaces less than 150 cubic centimeters. A motor-driven cycle does not include a motorized bicycle, as defined in Section 406.
 
A gasoline-powered mini-motorcycle or "Pocket-Motorcycle" is a motor-driven cycle pursuant to section 405 of the Vehicle Code.  As such, it is subject to all vehicle equipment, registration, driver license (M1 endorsement), and helmet requirements stated in the Vehicle Code.

Mini-Motorcycles are not manufactured with a conforming 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), indicating the manufactures intended they be operated on private property and not for use on a highway.

Because Mini-Motorcycles do not have a conforming 17-digit VIN, they can not be registered.  To be in compliance with the California Vehicle Code, you may not operate a Mini-Motorcycle on a public highway or an off street parking facility that is not properly registered with the DMV.

In addition to the registration requirement, most Mini-Motorcycles are not equipped to be legally operated on the public highways.  The following is a partial list of equipment requirements that all motor-driven cycles must comply with:

  • Tail lamp required during darkness.
  • Battery required.
  • Stop lamp required.
  • Red rear reflectors required.
  • Turn signal system required.
  • Lighted head lamp required when engine is running.
  • DOT* head lamp required.
  • Head lamp height - between 22 and 54 inches from ground.
  • Brakes on BOTH wheels.
  • Mirror required.
  • Horn required.
  • Muffler preventing excessive or unusual noise.
  • Tire tread depth a minimum of 1/32 inch on any two adjacent grooves.
  • DOT* tires required.

* DOT=Department of Transportation

Operators of Mini-Motorcycles, if driven on public highways and off-street parking facilities, must be properly licensed.  Per the California Vehicle Code, operators of Motor-Driven Cycles MUST possess a California Driver License with a class M1 endorsement.  

27803 of the Vehicle Code states that a driver and passenger MUST wear an authorized safety helmet while operating a Motor-Driven Cycle.

And finally, because mini-motorcycles are motor vehicles, operators are subject to all rules of the road contained in the California Vehicle Code.

POCKET BIKES ARE NOT LEGAL TO BE OPERATED UPON CITY STREETS, SIDEWALKS, PARKING LOTS OR WITHIN RESIDENTIAL HOUSING TRACTS.  OPERATING ONE IS A VIOLATION OF THE CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE AND SUBJECTS THE OPERATOR OR GUARDIAN TO PENALTIES AS LISTED IN THE VEHICLE CODE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FINES AND IMPOUNDING OF THE VEHICLE.

If you have further questions, feel free to contact the Fountain Valley Police Department's Traffic Bureau @ 714-593-4481.