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NEW Child
Restraint Law
effective January 1, 2002
Did you know, most kids ages 4 - 6 are riding
at risk. Adult seat belts can be extremely dangerous to a child
during the event of an accident. The shoulder portion of an adult
seat belt can ride near the area of the neck and cause injury or
death. Children should ride in a booster seat if they are too big
for child safety seats and weigh 40-60 pounds.
The New Law Says...
Children must be secured in an appropriate child
passenger restraint (safety seat or booster seat) until they are at
least 6 years old or weigh at least 60 pounds.
Car booster seats must be used in conjunction with
the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt. The booster seat raises the child
so that the vehicle lap and shoulder belt can be positioned properly,
and the child's knees can bend naturally.
CHP
Link (More info on Child Restraint laws)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Proper
Child Safety Seat Use Chart
Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in
Back!
(Information from the National Highway Traffic
Safety Association - NHTSA)
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INFANTS |
TODDLER |
YOUNG CHILDREN |
| WEIGHT |
Birth to 1 year
up to 20-22 lbs. |
Over 1 year and
Over 20 lbs.-40 lbs. |
Over 40 lbs. up to 80 lbs. |
| TYPE of SEAT |
Infant only or rear-facing
convertible |
Convertible / Forward-facing |
Belt positioning booster seat |
| SEAT POSITION |
Rear-facing only |
Forward-facing |
Forward-facing |
| ALWAYS MAKE SURE: |
Children to one year and at least
20 lbs. in rear-facing seats
Harness straps at or below shoulder level |
Harness straps should be at or
above shoulders
Most seats require top slot for forward-facing |
Belt positioning booster seats
must be used with both lap and shoulder belt.
Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the lap/upper
thigh area and the shoulder belt fits snug crossing the chest
and shoulder to avoid abdominal injuries |
| WARNING |
All children age 12 and under
should ride in the back seat |
All children age 12 and under
should ride in the back seat |
All children age 12 and under
should ride in the back seat |
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Electric
and Gas Powered Scooters or "Go-Ped"
California
Vehicle Code
Scooters promote clean transportation, ease highway congestion,
and provide a fun and comparatively inexpensive mode of
transportation. It's important to be aware of the laws that govern
the use and operation of scooters.
FAQ:
1. How old do I have to be to operate a scooter?
You must be16 or older. You do not need a
California Driver's License.
2. Do I have to wear a helmet when I ride a scooter?
Yes, an approved bicycle helmet that fits
properly.
3. May I have a passenger on my scooter?
No.
4. Where can I ride my scooter?
On
streets with 25 MPH or less speed limits unless in a class II bicycle
lane. There are several important laws pertaining to where you
may, and may not ride a scooter.
Important Rules to remember.
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The operator must wear an
approved bicycle-type helmet.
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The scooter can only be driven
on a roadway with a speed limit not exceeding 25 miles per hour
(most residential streets). An exception to this rule is if the
roadway has an approved Class II bicycle lane (the type on most
roadways), the operator can ride on the roadway, but only in the
bicycle lane.
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The speed limit for a motorized
scooter is 15 miles per hour, regardless of the roadway speed.
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The operator cannot ride
on a sidewalk.
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The operator cannot have
passengers or wear headphones.
Motorized Scooter Defined
Per 407.5. (a) of the California Vehicle Code, a "motorized
scooter" is any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, is designed
to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and is powered by an electric
motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human
propulsion. For purposes of this section, a motorcycle, as defined in
Section 400, a motor-driven cycle, as defined in Section 405, a
motorized bicycle or moped, as defined in Section 406, or a toy, as
defined in Section 108550 of the Health and Safety Code, is not a
motorized scooter. (b) A device meeting the definition in subdivision
(a) that is powered by a source other than electrical power is also a
motorized scooter. (c) (1) Every manufacturer of motorized scooters
shall provide a disclosure to buyers that advises buyers that their
existing insurance policies may not provide coverage for these scooters
and that they should contact their insurance company or insurance agent
to determine if coverage is provided. (2) The disclosure required under
paragraph (1) shall meet both of the following requirements: (A) The
disclosure shall be printed in not less than 14-point boldface type on a
single sheet of paper that contains no information other than the
disclosure. (B) The disclosure shall include the following language in
capital letters: "YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES MAY NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE
FOR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THE USE OF THIS SCOOTER. TO DETERMINE IF
COVERAGE IS PROVIDED, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY OR
AGENT."
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VEHICLE CODE
SECTION 21220-21235
21220. (a) The Legislature finds and declares both of the
following:
(1) This state has severe traffic congestion and air
pollution problems, particularly in its cities, and finding ways to reduce
these problems is of paramount importance.
(2) Motorized scooters that meet the definition of Section
407.5 produce no emissions and, therefore, do not contribute to increased
air pollution or increase traffic congestion.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature in adding this
article to promote the use of alternative low-emission or no-emission
transportation.
21220.5. For the purposes of this article, a motorized
scooter is
defined in Section 407.5.
21221. Every person operating a motorized scooter upon a
highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable
to the driver of a vehicle by this division, (Division 11) including, but not limited
to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic
beverages or drugs, and by Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000),
Division 17 (commencing with Section 40000.1), and Division 18 (commencing
with Section 42000), except those provisions which, by
their very nature, can have no application.
21221.5. Notwithstanding Section 21221, it is unlawful for
any person to operate a motorized scooter upon a highway while under the
influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, or under the combined
influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug. Any person arrested
for a violation of this section may request to have a chemical test made
of the person's blood or breath for the purpose of determining the
alcoholic or drug content of that person's blood pursuant to subdivision
(d) of Section 23612, and, if so requested, the arresting officer shall
have the test performed. A conviction of a violation of this section
shall be punished by a fine of not more
than two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
21223. (a) Every motorized scooter operated upon any highway
during darkness shall be equipped with the following:
(1) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a lamp emitting a
white light which, while the motorized scooter is in motion, illuminates
the highway in front of the operator and is visible from a distance of 300
feet in front and from the sides of the motorized scooter.
(2) Except as provided in subdivision (c), a red reflector on
the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when
directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.
(3) A white or yellow reflector on each side visible from the
front and rear of the motorized scooter from a distance of 200 feet.
(b) A lamp or lamp combination, emitting a white light,
attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 300 feet in front
and from the sides of the motorized scooter, may be used in lieu of the
lamp required by paragraph (1) of subdivision (a).
(c) A red reflector, or reflectorized material meeting the
requirements of Section 25500, attached to the operator and visible from a
distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of
lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle, may be used in lieu of
the reflector required by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a).
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21224. (a) A person operating a motorized scooter is not
subject to the provisions of this code relating to financial
responsibility, registration, and license plate requirements, and, for
those
purposes, a motorized scooter is not a motor vehicle.
(b) A motorized scooter is exempt from the equipment
requirements in Division 12 (commencing with Section 24000), except for
Sections 24003 and 27400, Article 4 (commencing with Section 27450) of
Chapter 5 of Division 12, and Section 27602.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), any motorized scooter
may be equipped with equipment authorized by Division 12 (commencing with
Section 24000).
(d) Any motorized scooter equipped with lighting equipment
that is authorized by Division 12 (commencing with Section 24000) shall
meet the lighting requirements in Article 1 (commencing with Section
24250) of Chapter 2 of Division 12 for that equipment.
21225. This article does not prevent local authorities, by
ordinance, from regulating the registration of motorized scooters and the
parking and operation of motorized scooters on pedestrian or bicycle
facilities, if the regulation is not in conflict with this
code.
21227. (a) A motorized scooter shall comply with one of the
following:
(1) Operate in a manner so that the electric motor is
disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied.
(2) Operate in a manner so that the motor is engaged through
a switch or mechanism that, when released, will cause the electric motor
to disengage or cease to function.
(b) It is unlawful for a person to operate a motorized
scooter that does not meet one of the requirements of subdivision (a).
21228. (a) Any person operating a motorized scooter upon a
highway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the
same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the
right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway, except under the following
situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in
the same direction.
(2) When preparing for a left turn, the operator shall stop
and dismount as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or right edge
of the roadway and complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot,
subject to the restrictions placed on pedestrians in Chapter 5 (commencing
with Section 21950).
(3) (A) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions,
including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles,
bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width
lanes, which make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or right
edge of the roadway, subject to Section 21656.
(B) For the purposes of subparagraph (A), a "substandard
width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a motorized scooter and
another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(4) Any person operating a motorized scooter upon a highway
that carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked
traffic lanes may operate the motorized scooter as near the left-hand curb
or left edge of that roadway as practicable. However,
when preparing for a right turn, the operator shall stop and dismount as
close as practicable to the left-hand curb or left edge of the highway and
complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot, subject to the
restrictions placed on pedestrians in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
21950).
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21229. (a) Whenever a class II bicycle lane has been
established on a roadway, any person operating a motorized scooter upon
the roadway shall ride within the bicycle lane, except that the person may
move out of the lane under any of the following situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle or pedestrian
within the lane or when about to enter the lane if the overtaking and
passing cannot be done safely within the lane.
(2) When preparing for a left turn, the operator shall stop
and dismount as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or right edge
of the roadway and complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot,
subject to the restrictions placed on pedestrians in Chapter 5 (commencing
with Section 21950).
(3) When reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to
avoid debris or other hazardous conditions.
(4) When approaching a place where a right turn is
authorized.
(b) No person operating a motorized scooter shall leave a
bicycle lane until the movement can be made with reasonable safety and
then only after giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in
Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 22100) in the event that any vehicle
may be affected by the movement.
21230. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a
motorized scooter may be operated on a bicycle path or trail or bikeway,
unless the local authority or the governing body of a local agency having
jurisdiction over that path, trail, or bikeway prohibits that
operation by ordinance.
21235. The operator of a motorized scooter shall not do any
of the following:
(a) Operate a motorized scooter unless it is equipped with a
brake that will enable the operator to make a braked wheel skid on dry,
level, clean pavement.
(b) Operate a motorized scooter on a highway with a speed
limit in excess of 25 miles per hour unless the motorized scooter is
operated within a class II bicycle lane.
(c) Operate a motorized scooter without wearing a properly
fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards described in
Section 21212.
(d) Operate a motorized scooter when the operator is under
the age of 16 years.
(e) Operate a motorized scooter with any passengers in
addition to the operator.
(f) Operate a motorized scooter carrying any package, bundle,
or article that prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon
the handlebars.
(g) Operate a motorized scooter upon a sidewalk, except as
may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.
(h) Operate a motorized scooter on the highway with the
handlebars raised so that the operator must elevate his or her hands above
the level of his or her shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering
grip area.
(i) Leave a motorized scooter lying on its side on any
sidewalk, or park a motorized scooter on a sidewalk in any other position,
so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic.
(j) Attach the motorized scooter or himself or herself while
on the roadway, by any means, to any other vehicle on the roadway.
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Pocket Bikes
(CHP Bulletin
160 - June 1, 2004)
Mini-Motorcycles
Mini-motorcycles (pocket bikes) are not manufactured with
a conforming 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), indicating the
manufacturers intended they be operated on private property and not for
use on a highway.
A gasoline-powered mini-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.
An electric-powered mini-motorcycle is a motorized bicycle
pursuant to Section 406 of the Vehicle Code. As such, it is subject to all
vehicle equipment, driver license (M2 endorsement), and helmet
requirements stated in the Vehicle Code. Individuals
operating these vehicles on a highway should be cited for violation of
24002(b) of the Vehicle Code (vehicle not equipped as required by the
Vehicle Code.) The following is a partial list of equipment requirements
that could be referenced to substantiate the violation of Section 24002(b)
of the Vehicle Code.
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Section 24600 VC - Taillamp required
during darkness.
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Section 24253 VC - Battery required.
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Section 24603 VC - Stoplamp required at all times.
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Section 24607 VC - Red rear reflectors required.
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Section 24951(b)(4) VC - Lamp-type turn signal system
required.
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Section 25650.5 VC - Lighted headlamp required when
engine is running.
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Section 26103 VC -
CHP Regulations for forward lighting equipment.
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Section 24400 VC - Headlamp height - between 22"
and 54 inches.
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Section 26311 VC -
Motorcycle brakes are required on all wheels.
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Section 26709 VC - Mirror required.
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Section 27000 VC - Horn required.
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Section 27150 VC - Muffler preventing excessive or
unusual noise.
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Section 27155 VC - Fuel Tank Cap.
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Section 27465(b)(1) VC - Tire tread depth; minimum of
1/32 inch on any two adjacent grooves.
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