Couple of Legal Q's

[that_guy_you_know]

Now that I'm commuting all the time, I might as well fire off a few questions--

1. I've heard before that the car pool lane can be used by bikes. True?

2. Is there any "freeway wave etiquette" for when you pass a fellow rider going the same direction?

3. No mirrors = illegal. True? I see so many bikes without 'em...

[motowriter]

Originally Posted by that_guy_you_know

Now that I'm commuting all the time, I might as well fire off a few questions--

1. I've heard before that the car pool lane can be used by bikes. True?

2. Is there any "freeway wave etiquette" for when you pass a fellow rider going the same direction?

3. No mirrors = illegal. True? I see so many bikes without 'em...

1. Yep. Good stuff.

2. Good question!!! Gixxerdale, Mr. Deacon Blues?

3. Hmm, doubt it would get u pulled over, but it's ticket material if you piss off the guy who pulled u over.

How much longer are you in country, Steve?

G

[RolnCode3]

1. Does this apply to ALL carpool lanes, or just those that specifically say "Motorcycles OK"?

*EDIT* Answered my own question. Lots of mumbo jumbo, but VC 21655.5(b) boils down to: unless motorcycles are specifically prohibited by a controlling device (sign, signal, etc...), you're ok in the HOV lane.

Also

3. (italics added by me for emphasis):
26709. (a) Every motor vehicle registered in a foreign jurisdiction
and every motorcycle subject to registration in this state shall be
equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view
of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of
such vehicle.
Every motor vehicle subject to registration in this state, except
a motorcycle, shall be equipped with not less than two such mirrors,
including one affixed to the left-hand side.

Visit http://leginfo.ca.gov ->"California Law"and you can do searches on keywords. Works great.

[MyLife on TwoWheels]

Here's the "Look it up yerself" question of the day:

So, does that mean that if a motorcycle only has one mirror, that it has to be the left side mirror??

Reason that I ask is because on a recent trip to the coast I broke off my left hand mirror and had to use only the right hand one until I got home, and the last thing that I would ever want to do is commit an infraction.

[Law Dawg (ret)]

Originally Posted by that_guy_you_know

Now that I'm commuting all the time, I might as well fire off a few questions--

1. I've heard before that the car pool lane can be used by bikes. True?

2. Is there any "freeway wave etiquette" for when you pass a fellow rider going the same direction?

3. No mirrors = illegal. True? I see so many bikes without 'em...

1- Yes.
2- No.
3- Yes.

[G8ESCAP]

Originally Posted by that_guy_you_know

Now that I'm commuting all the time, I might as well fire off a few questions--

1. I've heard before that the car pool lane can be used by bikes. True?

2. Is there any "freeway wave etiquette" for when you pass a fellow rider going the same direction?

3. No mirrors = illegal. True? I see so many bikes without 'em...

1. YES! Take full advantage of the carpool lane. You can also lane share in the car pool lane BUT, NEVER touch the DY or you may get a driving award. If there is a white fogline within the DY that is acceptable to touch by MOST CHP. You must lane share in the right side of the lane only, besides who wants to have a K Rail for breakfast.

2. I guess I have my own form. I'll pull up close (but not to close) and wait for the rider to notice me and to move over or signal me to pass. I don't like startling another rider by just flying past them. Then an open hand wave as I go past. Same goes for cooperative cages.

3. Can't imagine no mirrors. I like knowing whats nearby without constantly turning around. I belieive the left mirror required is correct. I had to put my stock mirrors back on temporarily after my "incedent" a couple weeks ago. They are useless. All I see are my arms and shoulders. I miss my Napolean Bar End mirrors!

[MyLife on TwoWheels]

If you only have one mirror, does it have to be the left??

[RolnCode3]

Originally Posted by Don1

If you only have one mirror, does it have to be the left??

No. Motorcycles are only required to have a single mirror. It can be mounted anywhere, so long as you can see at least 200 feet behind you with it. See the VC 26709 quote in my earlier post.

[motowriter]

Mhmm, that's how I read it... Thanks for info, Bill!

[MyLife on TwoWheels]

Originally Posted by RolnCode3

No. Motorcycles are only required to have a single mirror. It can be mounted anywhere, so long as you can see at least 200 feet behind you with it. See the VC 26709 quote in my earlier post.

Hey, if I could read laws and understand them, I'd be a lawyer.

Thanks for taking the time to read and answer my question, I appreciate it.