Motorcycles pulling trailer 55mph in California?

[Bootworks]

A couple of riders from Utah will be visiting NorCal shortly, pulling small motorcycle trailers. They're asking if they're subject to the same trailer rules as every other vehicle.

So a small debate among a couple of California riders has started...I maintain the California VC does not exempt motorcycles from trailer rules (max. speed 55mph, no travel on the #1 lane...)

Others disagree and are telling the Utah riders that, since they're not in a car they can scoot right along at the posted speed limit, just stay off the fast lane. They argue that sharing the same lanes, at the same speed as the semis is a hazard and they're exempt, since they're on motorcycles.

Can you LEO's settle this argument?

 

[monkeythumpa]

Not a LEO but I can read. The DMV site is down but here is the code:

V C Section 22406 Maximum Speed for Designated Vehicles

Maximum Speed for Designated Vehicles

22406. No person may drive any of the following vehicles on a highway
at a speed in excess of 55 miles per hour:

(a) A motortruck or truck tractor having three or more axles or any motortruck or truck tractor drawing any other vehicle.

(b) A passenger vehicle or bus drawing any other vehicle.

(c) A schoolbus transporting any school pupil.

(d) A farm labor vehicle when transporting passengers.

(e) A vehicle transporting explosives.

(f) A trailer bus, as defined in Section 636.

Amended Sec. 22, Ch. 787, Stats. 2000. Effective January 1 2001.

(b) is the only category that could cover a motorcycle but lets see what a passenger vehicle is defined as:

V C Section 34710 Passenger Vehicle Defined

Passenger Vehicle Defined

34710. As used in this division, "passenger vehicle" means any motor vehicle defined in Section 465, except any of the following motor vehicles:

(a) Motorcycles.

(b) Housecars.

(c) Specially constructed vehicles.

(d) Motor vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive.

(e) Motor vehicles constructed on a truck chassis.

(f) Motor vehicles operated for hire, compensation, or profit.

(g) Makes of motor vehicles of a model year manufactured or sold in California in quantities of less than 2,000 units for each such model year.

(h) Motor vehicles designed and constructed by the manufacturer of such vehicles, for off-highway use, as determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Amended Ch. 635, Stats. 1974. Effective January 1, 1975.

Seems like they are exempt unless they are transporting explosives!

 

[OldFatGuy]

Not a LEO but I can read. The DMV site is down but here is the code:



(b) is the only category that could cover a motorcycle but lets see what a passenger vehicle is defined as:



Seems like they are exempt unless they are transporting explosives!

By that interpretation, any 4x4 pickup is also exempt. Good luck getting that to fly.

 

[tgrrdr]

By that interpretation, any 4x4 pickup is also exempt. Good luck getting that to fly.

seems like 4x4's would not be exempt: "passenger vehicle" = "any motor vehicle ... except ... motorcycles" - I don't see 4x4's on the list of exemptions. I can't read.

:dunno

 

[Randy B]

seems like 4x4's would not be exempt: "passenger vehicle" = "any motor vehicle ... except ... motorcycles" - I don't see 4x4's on the list of exemptions.

:dunno

Note line D

(d) Motor vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive.

 

[tgrrdr]

Note line D

see what happens when I don't look up the law for myself? :wtf

34710. As used in this division...

§ 34710 is part of Division 14.9
§ 22406 is part of Division 11 so the definition in § 465 applies (and a motorcycle is a "motor vehicle").

465. A "passenger vehicle" is any motor vehicle, other than a
motortruck, truck tractor, or a bus, as defined in Section 233, and
used or maintained for the transportation of persons. The term
"passenger vehicle" shall include a housecar.

400. (a) A "motorcycle" is a motor vehicle having a seat or saddle
for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than three
wheels in contact with the ground.

CVC link

 

[SLOWREX03]

see what happens when I don't look up the law for myself? :wtf



§ 34710 is part of Division 14.9
§ 22406 is part of Division 11 so the definition in § 465 applies (and a motorcycle is a "motor vehicle").





CVC link

Bingo

 

[stoppie]

They are changing the signs on the side of the road to read vehicles with 3 or more axles or while towing. Interesting.

 

[packnrat]

if your are towing a trailer, even a if motor bike towing.
you MUST not exceed 55 mph

(yea right, truckers get paid by the mile and must speed to make any money)

and can ONLY use the rt two lanes..except at a inter-change were you need to be in the left lanes to continue your trip.

any other and you are subject a ticket.

 

[Tharkûn]

if your are towing a trailer, even a if motor bike towing.
you MUST not exceed 55 mph

(yea right, truckers get paid by the mile and must speed to make any money)

and can ONLY use the rt two lanes..except at a inter-change were you need to be in the left lanes to continue your trip.

any other and you are subject a ticket.

Even during carpool hours! Thats the #1 time I see trailer out of lane.

 

[OldFatGuy]

Even during carpool hours! Thats the #1 time I see trailer out of lane.

Are trailers not allowed in carpool lanes? I certainly don't think they belong there, but I've heard differing opinions on whether or not the law actually allows them. :confused

 

[Tharkûn]

Are trailers not allowed in carpool lanes? I certainly don't think they belong there, but I've heard differing opinions on whether or not the law actually allows them. :confused

Nope, essentially the same thing as a big rig, and I know they would love to use the carpool lane :laughing I miss working Sunday evenings, would always get a boat trailer at 75+ in the #1 lane going home.


As far as 'motorcycle' vs 'passenger vehicle', its my understanding that all motorcycles are passenger vehicles, but not all passenger vehicles are motorcycles, make sense? So yes, when towing you're at 55 in the right two lanes only.

 

[limey]

Even if it is not explicitly codified, there are usually white signs on the Freeways with:

All vehicles when towing
Max Speed 55

So it would be hard to argue with that. A motorcycle is most definitely a vehicle.

 

[bojangle]

Even if it is not explicitly codified, there are usually white signs on the Freeways with:

All vehicles when towing
Max Speed 55

So it would be hard to argue with that. A motorcycle is most definitely a vehicle.

Yup^^^ Those signs are usually posted on freeways. You would also be in violation of...

21461(a) CVC It is unlawful for a driver of a vehicle to fail to obey a sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or a Department of Transportation approved supplement to that manual of a regulatory nature erected or maintained to enhance traffic safety and operations or to indicate and carry out the provisions of this code or a local traffic ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to a local traffic ordinance, or to fail to obey a device erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official.

 

[Burning1]

In general: Doesn't matter whether or not the law is on your side. Tickets are expensive even when you win, and the judges often ignore the law. Don't expect to win on a technicality unless you're willing to pay $$$ to go to appeals. Best strategy is not to do anything that would get you cited.

 

[BillyD]

Seriously, one of the most dangerous things I've ever seen is some fine, upstanding law-abiding citizen driving 55 mph while towing a trailer on I-5.

With the flow of traffic at 70+ mph, even the big rigs swerve around said law abiding citizens.

Obviously, the LEO community exercises ample intelligent discretion in enforcing the arbitrary 55 mph limit while towing.

 

[limey]

Yeah if the trailer is not weaving around all over the show, then it is probably safer to be going a little faster in many cases.

My Kendon tows fine at 75 as is legal in Nevada and Utah. I am sure there are some POS trailers that are downright scary at 55.

 

[packnrat]

Yeah if the trailer is not weaving around all over the show, then it is probably safer to be going a little faster in many cases.

My Kendon tows fine at 75 as is legal in Nevada and Utah. I am sure there are some POS trailers that are downright scary at 55.

sadly in the trucking world, drivers are forced to speed to get to the delivery point in time. and to not loose money.

as for scary yes seen many, people need to understand loading of a bumper pull trailer. fifth wheels and goose necks are far easier on the weight loading. but bumper pulls i stay away from them.
yes i drive the big trucks..but i get paid by the hr :teeth:teeth:teeth. and have a computer keeping a eye on my speed, and location.

 

[Bootworks]

Got it. I'll relay to the Utah motor-trailers: Double nickle it is.

 

[DefyInertia]

Yet another reason why no one should ever tow a trailer with a motorcycle (for fun). To each their own, but some things are just retarded. Ok i'll shut up now.