In response to numerous concerns due to the increased operation and inherit danger of mini-motorcycles (pocket bikes) on city streets, the Orange Police Department Traffic Bureau provides the following information. Currently, most pocket bikes are not manufactured with a conforming 17-digit vehicle ID, indicating the manufacturers never intended that they be operated on public streets and highways. As such, pocket bikes cannot be legally registered, do not conform to basic DOT vehicle safety standards and are illegal for use on public streets and highways.
Q.What if my pocket bike's engine is less than 50cc's? I've heard that it is not required to be registered to be street legal.
A. This is incorrect. Any motor-driven cycle less than 150cc's is required to be registered and conform to all motorcycle safety standards. Also, the operator must have a valid M 1 driver's license. The pocket bikes can be only ridden legally on private property with the property owner's permission.
Q. What if I'm stopped while riding my pocket bike on the street?
A. If you are stopped while operating a pocket bike on a city street, you may be cited for any or all of the following violations: no driver's license or lack of proper endorsement, no insurance, unsafe vehicle and other equipment or moving violations. The bike may be impounded up to 30 days and you would be responsible for the costs of the tow and impound, along with fines and penalty fees.
Q. What if my 10 year old is stopped while riding a pocket bike on the street?
A. Should your minor child be stopped while riding a pocket bike on the street, not only would the bike be subject to a 30 day impound, you as the parent may be cited as well. If the child was involved in a traffic accident, the parent could be found to be both criminally and civilly liable.
