As a motorcycle enthusiast residing in the US, you must have thought about riding your motorcycle to the land of milk and honey. California is known for its breathtaking views, the golden sunbathing environment is warm weather. Due to all these properties, California is known as the sunshine state or golden state as well.
Before you embark on the magical journey through the land of sunshine, you need to know in detail about the laws that you need to abide by. Most motorcycles within California are already familiar with these laws, however, if you are traveling from another state, you need to know about these laws. The purpose of these laws is to protect motorcycles and help them stay safe during their journey.
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Motorcycle Licensing Policy in California
Within the state of California, motorcycle owners can get two different types of licenses. These licenses include the M1 license and M2 license. The difference between these licensing styles mainly highlights the type of motorized vehicle that you own or will be riding. Since ether is so many different types of motorcycle, you need to get the license accordingly.
Within the M1 license category, you will be able to ride two-wheel motorcycles, moped, motorized or electric bicycles, any motor-driven cycle as well as a motorized scooter. Most people like to customize their cycles by adding motors, others have extra carts and extra support as well, and it caters to a wider range. All these riders need to apply for the M1 styles license.
Within the M2 motorcycle license category, you will have very restricted options. You can legally ride vehicles including a moped, motorized scooter ad motorized bicycle. Although there is a difference of range the main difference between both categorized is speed. You will notice that within the M1 categorized you will have all sorts of rides that are faster. On the contrary, if you look at the M2 category, you will see very limited options.
Most people believe that once you have the license, you can ride at any time anyplace. However, no matter what kind of license you have, you still need to abide by the rules. According to the license policy and traffic rules within the state of California, you need to look at the destination and the road policies. Some areas do not allow freeway riding, others prohibit passengers whereas there are a few areas that restrict night driving.
If you wish to apply for a California motorcycle license, you need to be at least 15 and a half years old. Depending on your age, there is a difference in the test and eligibility criteria as well. The age difference is mainly based on the safety reservation. Kids below 15 years can not apply for the license. Apart from this, they must carry all their documentation along for license application.
Some of the basic documents that you must have with you include photographs, an ID card application, or your driving license. Fingerprints, fee, and training booklet. The license test is divided into two phases. The first phase consists of a theory-based test while the second phase consists of a practical test. For the practical test, make sure you know how to ride your motorcycle. You also need to know different modes and traffic signs. While riding your motorcycle you will be instructed to slow down at any given time or speed up. Apart from this, the instructor can ask you to stop or circle. There are riding tracks where instructors and examiners take tests so you need to know about the riding track conditions as well.
Different driving schools offer safety lessons where you can easily learn how to ride a motorcycle. Within the state of California, safety courses are optional for riders above 21 years of age but they are considered essential for a rider under age 21.
Bottom Line
To sum it all up, the rules are pretty simple. These rules have been mainly designed for helping motorcyclists enjoy a safer journey. Since most motorcyclists like traveling through warm long roads, they are more concerned about their surroundings than about the rules. The rules were designed to reduce the rate of accidents that were happening. In case you get into a road accident while riding your motorcyclist, California police investigate the accident and then the neglected motorcyclist is held responsible. The penalty might range from a few hundred to a few thousand so if you do not want to turn your magical journey into a complete disaster, it is very important to follow the rules.
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