Pocket Bike Legal Information

In response to concerns relating to the increased operation of mini-motorcycles (pocket bikes) on California's streets and highways, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) provides the following guidelines with the intent to enhance public safety on all roadways and to obtain compliance with the California Vehicle Code (VC) (www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html).
*Please Note: These laws only apply to California. The laws in your state may vary!

Pocket Bikes are not manufactured with a 17-digit VIN, they cannot get registered as a legal motor vehicle, which makes them illegal for use on the highways or as an off-highway vehicle.

Frequently Asked Legal Questions Concerning Pocket Bike


What if my pocket bike's engine is less then 50cc's? I've heard that they are not required to be registered and are street legal.
This is incorrect information. There is nothing in the vehicle code that allows a motor-driven cycle to be operated on the highway that is less than 50cc's. Any motor-driven cycle less than 150cc's is required to be registered, meet the equipment standards of a motorcycle, and the operator must have an M1 driver license.


What will happen if I'm stopped by the CHP while riding my pocket bike on the streets?
If a person is stopped by a CHP officer while operating a mini-motorcycle (pocket bike) on a highway, that person may be cited for no driver's license or lack of proper motorcycle endorsement, unsafe vehicle, or helmet use, and the bike may be impounded which would require tow and storage fees be paid by the violator.

My pocket bike was advertised as a toy, so wouldn't that make them legal to ride?
No. These vehicles can travel at high speeds (20 to 50 mph) and ARE NOT TOYS. They are motor-driven cycles.