Riding a motorcycle in California as a tourist

[Ziggaman]

Hi.

I'm coming to California for a couple of months. I have a full drivers license over here in the UK which entitles me to drive all kinds of cars and also long wheelbase vans, pull trailers etc.. I'm also licensed to ride motorcycles up to 125cc. I haven't got time before I fly out to take my full motorcycle license over here, that would enable be to ride more powerful motorcycles, though I do have experience riding bigger bikes.

I wonder if you could tell me what motorcycles I would legally be allowed to drive as a tourist in California with my current UK license?

Thank you for your time.
Zig

[PhilipCal]

Hi.

I'm coming to California for a couple of months. I have a full drivers license over here in the UK which entitles me to drive all kinds of cars and also long wheelbase vans, pull trailers etc.. I'm also licensed to ride motorcycles up to 125cc. I haven't got time before I fly out to take my full motorcycle license over here, that would enable be to ride more powerful motorcycles, though I do have experience riding bigger bikes.

I wonder if you could tell me what motorcycles I would legally be allowed to drive as a tourist in California with my current UK license?

Thank you for your time.
Zig

Zig, I'm going to take a shot at replying to you, hoping one of my California colleagues will correct me if I'm wrong. If your UK Driver's License limits you to motorcycles of 125cc's, that's probably going to be your legal limit in California as well. It would be in Alabama. That said, hope you enjoy your trip.:)

[KapsFB]

Depends on how well it's spelled out on your UK license. If it specifically indicates 125cc or under, the dealer renting you the bike or an officer making a traffic stop should be able to catch it. You'll risk being denied the rental or being cited on a traffic stop.

Even if NOT flagged however, you take a huge risk liability-wise should you sneak by and obtain a large rental bike then become involved in an accident. I wouldn't recommend it.

[Ziggaman]

Thanks for your help guys.

Is there a resource you could point me towards that would tell me exactly what the law is on this?

As I'm there for about 2 and a half months I figure it maybe cheaper to buy a second hand bike than rent a car for that long.

[soopertrooper]

look into taking the motorcycle safety foundation course once you get here it usually runs about $200 and takes 2.5 days to complete then you can ride any motorcycle. my suggestion would be to try and do that rather than riding a bike of 125cc, youll probably get ran over. you may need to get a cali license anyway, im not sure on their laws but in FLany more than 30 days and you need a license listing the address you are staying at

[Ziggaman]

look into taking the motorcycle safety foundation course once you get here it usually runs about $200 and takes 2.5 days to complete then you can ride any motorcycle. my suggestion would be to try and do that rather than riding a bike of 125cc, youll probably get ran over. you may need to get a cali license anyway, im not sure on their laws but in FLany more than 30 days and you need a license listing the address you are staying at

That's great soopertrooper, I'll look into it as soon as I arrive.

I was under the impression that to get a license in the US you had to have resident status and a social security number.

[PhilipCal]

Zig, your UK Driver's License is valid in the United States, provided you're a tourist. Any restrictions on your license would also be applicable in all fifty states. If it's possible to upgrade your motorcycle limits in the UK, prior to coming to the U.S., that would be the way to go.

[tharc]

look into taking the motorcycle safety foundation course once you get here it usually runs about $200 and takes 2.5 days to complete then you can ride any motorcycle. my suggestion would be to try and do that rather than riding a bike of 125cc, youll probably get ran over. you may need to get a cali license anyway, im not sure on their laws but in FL any more than 30 days and you need a license listing the address you are staying at

Not so, if he were to accept employment then maybe. You may want to check out FSS 322.031 and 322.04.

[SgtCHP]

As long as you are traveling in CA and not establishing a permanent residence, your home country Driver License is valid. You are restricted to the terms of your license. You may not operate any motorcycle that has an engine rating greater than 125cc. If you do, you are subject to the loss of the vehicle and stringent fines within the court having jurisdiction.

Just act accordingly and you will have no problems. Enjoy your visit and take into account the various temperature ranges in CA from the South to the North; from the coastal areas to the Sierra Mountain ranges; and, last but not least, the vast desert regions.

CA, like all states in the USA, has a lot to offer the that can leave one in awe and amazement.