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Driver’s License Requirements
Effective 1/1/2005, all motorcycle drivers must have a Class C driver license or driver permit According to California Motorcycle Laws (Section 406(a)- Operators of the motorcycle require M-1 or M-2 endorsement on a driver’s license.
- M-1 permits the driver to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle and moped
- M-2 permits for operation of a moped or motorized bicycle only.
- In Order to obtain an M-1 or M-2 endorsement, the driver must:
- Pass the appropriate written exam
- Pass riding skills test (DMV will accept certificate of competence from an approved novice motorcyclist training program instead of skills test, such as the California Motorcyclist Safety Program).
- For individuals under the age of 21, a rider must effectively complete a compulsory Basic Rider education course accepted by the CHP. For examples, the Basic Rider course available through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program.
Motorcycle Safety Clothing
Helmet Use Whether you are a driver or a passenger, all individuals in a motorcycle is required by law under California Vehicle Code Section 27803 to wear a helmet. At Downtown LA Law, we strongly advise all riders to wear helmets, as refusal to do so can cause serious injury or death. Other Clothing requirements:- Only Single earphones allowed in helmets, not speakers. There are no restrictions on earplugs
- Eye protection is not required, but highly recommended
Motorcycle Requirements
In addition to wearing the proper clothing, California Motorcycle requires that a motorcycle meet certain minimum guidelines, including:- Tires with adequate tread for safe operation.
- A functional Headlight (the Daytime us of headlights is required for motorcycles built during or after 1978), taillight, brake light, and both a right and left turn signal is required by law.
- Front and rear brakes.
- A horn and a left and right mirror
- The Handlebar should not be positioned in a way where the hands of the driver are more than six inches above the drivers shoulder when seated
- Muffler required, and may not be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device (California Vehicle Code 27150)
- No restrictions on Radar Detectors
Insurance Guidelines:
In California, liability insurance is required for all individuals who drive an automobile. Insurance can be demonstrated in one of four ways, including:
1. Coverage by a motor vehicle or car liability insurance policy;
2. A cash deposit of $35,000 with the DMV;
3. A certificate of self-insurance issued by DMV to owners of fleets of more than 25 vehicles; or
4. A surety bond for $35,000 obtained from an insurance company licensed to do business in California.
In California, by far the most common form of liability insurance is acquired through a liability insurance policy. Furthermore, every insurance policy must satisfy the minimum statutory limits of liability insurance. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in harsh penalties. These guidelines are:
- Bodily Injury: Bodily injury coverage entails two minimum requirements, the per-person limit and the limit per accident. In California, the minimum per-person limit for bodily injury is $15,000 and the minimum bodily injury limit per accident is $30,000. Therefore, if an individual only maintains the minimum coverage liability, the amount the insurance will pay will not exceed $30,000 no matter how many passengers were involved.
- Property Damage: The minimum amount of coverage required for damage to other people’s property (their car, their fence, etc.) is $5,000. Comprehensive coverage or losses resulting from incidents other than collision other than collision is not mandatory by law.