California scooter laws

[amckenzie4]

Hey everyone, I hope someone can give me some information.

I have a 49cc scooter (Baja brand... don't ever buy one!) that I'm giving to my sister, who lives in California. There's so much information out there, and the DMV office near her is so bad, that she can't actually figure out what the laws regarding licensing and registration are. Looking at two different CA DMV sites, it's clear both that she doesn't need any license at all, and that she has to have a motorcycle license.

Anyone know? Is there a good online resource?

Thanks!

[smatda]

Not a resident, but my read of the law says she needs an M2 license. Engine size was made irrelevant in 2006. It all boils down to top speed and propulsion. 30 MPH with an internal combustion engine? That needs a license.

[DubhBas]

Call an insurance company that covers bikes in CA...they might be able to help too.

[smatda]

Correction. It's a Motor-Driven Cycle. An M1 and proper registration is required.

Source:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/motorcycles/motorcycles.htm

[ddouble]

This may help muddle it up a bit.

Pertinent parts.

1. Vespas
All Vespas and other traditionally classified scooters must be registered, regardless of how many cc's. As of 2006 there is no longer a differentiation between above or below 50 cc's.

2. License
You will need to obtain a Class M2 license if you choose to go the way of the scooter or the moped with a maximum speed limit of 30 mph.

To secure your Class M2 license simply:

Make an appointment at your local DMV,
Submit an original DL 44 application form.
Provide a thumb print.
Have your picture taken at the DMV.
Pay the $28 application fee.
Pass a vision exam.
Pass the traffic laws and signs test.
If you are under 21, complete the California Highway Patrol (CHP) motorcycle training course and present the Certificate of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) to the DMV. You won't have to take the motorcycle driving test if you already have a current California driver license.
If you are over 21, choose between taking the CHP course and submitting the certificate of completion, or scheduling an appointment to take the driving test.
For additional information on the motorcycle classes offered by the California Highway Patrol call (877) 743-3411 or visit the California Motorcyclist Safety Program.

Dan
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[miscusi]

[hercman]

But is the Baja scoot even registerable in CA? Wasn't there just a big blow up in CA about those cheap scooters being sold from Pep-boys and such because of EPA regs and such? Didn't it come out that they are not legal in CA?
_________________
Romans 12:18
www.patriotguard.org

[smatda]

[biozombie]

[miscusi]

Oh thats the funniest ! Thats some billboard !
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[smatda]

Couple of things:

1) No wonder the state of California is bankrupt...they're paying Poncharello royalties on the billboards!!!

2) Don't ya feel kinda sorry for Larry Wilcox??

[amckenzie4]

Thanks everyone! The scooter left town headed for CA this morning, so here's hoping it'll work. My sister found someone at the DMV who claims it can be registered there, so if she can take it to that person to do the registering, she ought to be fine.

[Duke]