California Vehicle Code
Know the rules
Riding under the influence
It is unlawful to ride a bicycle or eBike on a highway while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.
View California Code CVC21204RidingPassengers & seating
Passengers may ride only on a separate seat attached to the bicycle. Additional restraints apply for small children.
View California Code CVC21212(a)EquipmentHelmets under 18
Riders and passengers under 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets an approved safety standard.
View California Code CVC21213Equipment · Class 3Class 3 rules
Class 3 eBikes carry their own requirements, including a minimum operator age and a helmet requirement that is not limited to riders under 18.
View California Code CVC21201(d)EquipmentLights & reflectors
Riding during darkness requires a white front light plus the required rear, pedal, and side reflectors or permitted lighting.
View California Code CVC27400EquipmentKeep one ear open
A rider may not wear a headset, earplugs, or earphones covering or inserted in both ears, subject to limited statutory exceptions.
View California Code CVC21453SignalsRed lights
Riders must obey traffic signals and stop for a steady red signal before proceeding as permitted by law.
View California Code CVC22108SignalsTurn signals — 100 feet
When a turn signal is required, signal continuously during the last 100 feet traveled before turning.
View California Code CVC22450(a)SignsStop signs
Come to a complete stop at the limit line, before the crosswalk, or before entering the intersection when no line or crosswalk exists.
View California Code CVC21950Right of wayYield to pedestrians
Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
View California Code CVC21650.1PositionRide with the flow
A bicycle or eBike on the roadway or highway shoulder must travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic.
View California Code CVC21208PositionUse the bike lane
When riding slower than normal traffic, use an established bike lane unless passing, turning left, avoiding a hazard, or approaching a permitted right turn.
View California Code CVC21203RidingNo ride hitching
Do not attach yourself or your bicycle or eBike to a streetcar or vehicle on the roadway.
View California CodeDifferent classification · Different laws
When it is no longer legally an eBike
When a device no longer meets California's electric bicycle definition, its classification changes and additional motor-vehicle laws may apply.
What counts as an eBike
Everything below turns on this section. A device that cannot meet one of these three classes is not a legal electric bicycle, and may fall under another vehicle classification depending on its design, power, speed capability, and operation.
Class 1Pedal-assist only, no throttle, assistance ends at 20 mph. Class 2Throttle-actuated, assistance ends at 20 mph. Class 3Pedal-assist only, no throttle, assistance ends at 28 mph. View California Code CVC23152(a)eMoto · VehicleDriving under the influence
It is unlawful for a person under the influence of alcohol to drive a vehicle. This may apply when the device is legally treated as a motor vehicle rather than an eBike.
View California Code CVC23103eMoto · VehicleReckless driving
Driving a vehicle on a highway with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is reckless driving.
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