Is The Buddy Freeway Legal In Your State? Better Check.

[San Francisco]

Scooter Dave posted Ohio's laws that say anything over 9 horsepower
is freeway legal.

This motivated me to check on California's law. In California on most
freeways the Buddy is NOT legal where there are signs saying that
"motorized driven cycles" are prohibited. Those signs are on most
California freeway on-ramps.

In California the Buddy is a motor driven cycle because it has an engine
149 cc or less.

So you might want to check on your own state's laws before zipping on
to your state's freeways [or whatever your state calls them].

[Corsair]

In Detroit it's 125cc and you're good.

[ericalm]

The AMA has a database of state motorcycle laws which is useful:

http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp

...but doesn't address this because I suppose they assume most visitors are riding larger CC bikes.

The CA vehicle code is available online here:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vc_index_m.htm

[rajron]

I can’t find any motor size restrictions for the state of New Mexico freeways, the AMA site points out that we don’t need a helmet, noise prevention “No acoustical criteria” and handle bar height limits – no wonder I see so many loud ape bared Harley’s around here.

[ericalm]

I can’t find any motor size restrictions for the state of New Mexico freeways, the AMA site points out that we don’t need a helmet, noise prevention “No acoustical criteria” and handle bar height limits – no wonder I see so many loud ape bared Harley’s around here.

Here's the NM traffic code:http://ipl.unm.edu/traf/pubs/MC-laws8x11.pdf

Oddly enough, the cutoff is 45cc's, but the size restrictions may rule out a number of scooters.

66-7-405. Minimum vehicle size. (1978)
A. It is unlawful to operate on the highways of this state any motor vehicle:
(1) with a wheelbase, between two axles, of less than three feet four inches;
(2) with a motor displacement of less than forty-five cubic centimeters; or
(3) any motorcycle with less than a twenty-five inch seat height measured from the ground to the lowest point on the
top of the seat cushion, without a rider.
B. For the purpose of this section, wheelbase shall be measured upon a straight line from center to center of the
vehicle axles.

[rajron]

Well that’s good to know, I can ride anywhere with the Buddy in the state of NM, not so sure I will be going on the interstates though.

[jperkins]

In Oklahoma we can ride on the freeway but not the interstate. So basically here in Tulsa that translates into 2 of our 4 big highways are okay to ride on.

[MrNatural]

This is a difficult ?? to answer state to state. In MN I emailed the DOT and the DMV but got no response. Can't find a CC limitation in the statutes anywhere either.

[San Francisco]

This is a difficult ?? to answer state to state. In MN I emailed the DOT and the DMV but got no response. Can't find a CC limitation in the statutes anywhere either.

If your state has a separate motorcycle license, check the DMV handbook
that is usually available online. That image I posted is a page from
California's motorcycle handbook.

[bwilms]

Here's a link to the Ohio code ScooterDave referenced in a previous post: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.051

[San Francisco]

This is a difficult ?? to answer state to state. In MN I emailed the DOT and the DMV but got no response. Can't find a CC limitation in the statutes anywhere either.

I used to do research by instinct and habit. So I was motivated to see
what the heck you all are doing up there in Minnesota.

Here is your state's DMV manual for motorcycles.

I did not see anything in there that defines what a motorcycle is, nor any
limitations as to what size bike or scooter can go on what roads.

They do define a moped as being any vehicle under 49 cc, etc. so I guess
one could assume a motorcycle is any engine 50 cc and above.

The book is pretty good in terms of tips and tricks. I suggest you get a
copy and read a few pages just before bed or while on the john. Read
for comprehension because IMHO they say some pretty substantial
stuff in terms of how to ride a bike. Seems they had someone who knew
bikes write the thing.

http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/DLTraini ... Manual.htm

[bwilms]

The Buddy is legal on the Ohio Turnpike according to its rules a regulations:

The following shall not be permitted to travel on the turnpike:
(N) Vehicles that are not capable of maintaining a speed of at least 40 miles per hour on level grade.

However, the following restrictions apply:

(G) Vehicles with improperly secured loads.
(I) Such vehicles as, in the opinion of a Commission toll collector or collectors or any police officer, are deemed to be unsafe or to be such as to create a hazard upon the turnpike. The burden of proof of the safe condition of such vehicles shall be upon the operators of such vehicles.
(L) Vehicles transporting explosives of such kind or in the quantity for which federal regulations or the statutes of the state of Ohio prescribes that there be displayed by said vehicles or the operators thereof warning or identifying flags and signs such as "Explosives," "Danger," or like sign, provided, however, that the operator or operators of any such vehicle or vehicles may make written application to the Commission for a permit to enter and travel upon the turnpike and the Commission may, in its discretion, grant such, permit in writing, upon such terms as it may prescribe.
(M) During high winds or during the prevalence of other adverse weather conditions, motorcycles, house trailers, horse trailers, boat trailers, long combination vehicles, utility trailers and all passenger vehicle-drawn trailers.

So, don't strap explosives to the Buddy, (beyond allowed quantities of course) with duct tape and bungee cords, while traveling in 40 MPH winds with both blinkers busted out and your pipe dragging on the road.

Otherwise you should be good

I'm trying to nail down the interstates...

[San Francisco]

I'm trying to nail down the interstates...

Not sure, I think interstates are federally funded, but state owned
roads, which include many intrastate roads, not just those going state to
state.

Although 90% paid for with fed funds, each state regulates their interstates
in terms of speed, etc.

So there is not going to be a separate set of rules for the major interstate
highways such as U. S. 50, U. S. 5, etc.

[axiom007]

In Oklahoma we can ride on the freeway but not the interstate. So basically here in Tulsa that translates into 2 of our 4 big highways are okay to ride on.

Are you familiar with Oklahoma City, if so, does that mean I could legally take it out on Hefner Parkway(State Highway 77)? That would be crazy, but maybe fun at like 3 or 4 in the AM with no other cars.

[bwilms]

I sent an email to the Ohio BMV a few weeks back. The Ohio Department Of Public Safety replied back today with the following:

Ohio Revised Code 4511.051 regulates vehicle on Interstates.

4511.051 Freeways - prohibited acts.
(A) No person, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall:

(1) As a pedestrian, occupy any space within the limits of the right-of-way of a freeway, except: in a rest area; on a facility that is separated from the roadway and shoulders of the freeway and is designed and appropriately marked for pedestrian use; in the performance of public works or official duties; as a result of an emergency caused by an accident or breakdown of a motor vehicle; or to obtain assistance;

(2) Occupy any space within the limits of the right-of-way of a freeway, with: an animal-drawn vehicle; a ridden or led animal; herded animals; a pushcart; a bicycle, except on a facility that is separated from the roadway and shoulders of the freeway and is designed and appropriately marked for bicycle use; a bicycle with motor attached; a motor driven cycle with a motor which produces not to exceed five brake horsepower; an agricultural tractor; farm machinery; except in the performance of public works or official duties.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

If your 125 CC is over 5 brake horsepower and street legal, it can be operate on the interstate. Be sure the bike can maintain minium speed if so posted.