SAFETY/LAW ADVISORY

REGARDING POCKET BIKES

"Pocket Bikes" or gasoline-powered minibikes (with engines usually 49cc or smaller) have recently become very popular and are being used on public roadways every day.  Pocket Bikes can go very fast, at speeds from 30 to 40 mph, and can be very dangerous if operated irresponsibly or by an inexperienced rider. The Stockton Police Department has received numerous complaints involving Pocket Bikes in regard to speeding, excessive noise, and traffic accidents. 

Vehicle Code Section 473 defines a Pocket Bike as follows:

"VC 473 (a) A 'pocket bike' is a two-wheeled motorized device that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and that is not designed or manufactured for highway use. 'Pocket bike' does not include an off-highway motorcycle, as defined in Section 436.

"(b) For purposes of this section, a vehicle is designed for highway use if it meets the applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as obtained in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and is equipped in accordance with the requirements of this code."

Additionally, Vehicle Code section 21720 has been added to the Vehicle Code that now makes operating a Pocket Bike illegal on the following:

"VC 21720 A pocket bike shall not be operated on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, or on public lands open to off-highway motor vehicle use."

Unless properly equipped, Pocket Bikes are NOT street legal. 

City of Stockton Police Officers will be issuing citations to anyone not complying with state or local laws and regulations.  Before purchasing a Pocket Bike, please take a moment to review some of the important laws listed below: