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Motorcycle laws should apply to all
San Diego Union ^ | Jan 13, 2006 | KARL CRANFORD

Posted on 01/13/2006 5:37:05 AM PST by radar101

I keep trying to like Gov. Schwarzenegger, but again am disappointed by his inability to relate to the rest of us out here.

It cost me $380 to get my bike back after having it impounded in a random traffic stop. I guarantee that I am less a risk on my motorcycle than the governor is on his based on results. Yet the Los Angeles city attorney says in not issuing Schwarzenegger a citation, "It is a minor matter that would have only resulted in a traffic ticket."

Why isn't he demanding that the police write him a ticket for driving without a motorcycle driver's license? Would his auto insurance cover him if he seriously injured someone while illegally driving? Do all people who are now issued a traffic ticket have the same ability to get out of the payment of a fine because it is only a minor matter?

I am so sick of the double standard when it comes to those who "run" our government. Even those hitting cars that are backing up!


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: hypocrisy; motorcycles; unlicensed
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It cost me $380 to get my bike back after having it impounded in a random traffic stop. California law allows for impounding a motorcycle if the rider is not licensed. Liabaility dictates that it WILL be impounded.

Would his auto insurance cover him if he seriously injured someone while illegally driving? NO. Look at your policy. It is universal, that if any vehicle is being operated by an unlicensed driver, the insurance does NOT pay

1 posted on 01/13/2006 5:37:07 AM PST by radar101
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To: radar101; martin_fierro

Hooligan List PING


2 posted on 01/13/2006 5:40:52 AM PST by uglybiker (Iraqis have purple on their fingers. Liberals have brown on their thumbs.)
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To: radar101

Wasn't the gov's ride a trike not a two-wheeler? Thus, treated as a car not a motorcycle.


3 posted on 01/13/2006 5:41:01 AM PST by CPOSharky (Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Like demoncrats.)
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To: radar101

I think the same 'lack of coverage' situation also exists if you are under the influence, evading police or engaged in a speed contest/drag race. Lots of loopholes for the insurance company to go through


4 posted on 01/13/2006 5:42:06 AM PST by Panzerfaust
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To: radar101

"Why isn't he demanding that the police write him a ticket for driving without a motorcycle driver's license?"

Because (at least in California) police cannot legally give a traffic citation for an infraction they haven't personally witnessed.


5 posted on 01/13/2006 5:44:14 AM PST by Moral Hazard ("Now therefore kill every male among the little ones" - Numbers 31:17)
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To: Moral Hazard

I think the CHP is his security detail.


6 posted on 01/13/2006 5:47:32 AM PST by Tijeras_Slim ("We're a meat-based society.")
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To: radar101

Legally, he did nothing wrong since riding a bike with a sidecar does not require a motorcycle license. My personal opinion is that he needs to attend a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class and get a motorcycle license.


7 posted on 01/13/2006 5:54:26 AM PST by JoeGar
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To: CPOSharky

"Wasn't the gov's ride a trike not a two-wheeler? Thus, treated as a car not a motorcycle."

He was riding a sidecar outfit, with son in sidecar. I think in CA his auto license covers this.


8 posted on 01/13/2006 5:55:57 AM PST by fizziwig
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To: fizziwig

Three wheels or less is a motorcycle. A motorcycle with sidecar is a motorcycle. It is not a car. Arnold needs a motorcyle licence and a ticket.


9 posted on 01/13/2006 6:01:00 AM PST by Frankss
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To: JoeGar

I agree with your rider training recommendation. There is also a side-car specific course which is quite excellent (at least it is in Virginia).

My 4 year old son has been riding in a hack since he was 18 months old. He loves it.


10 posted on 01/13/2006 6:03:25 AM PST by WayneS (Honor the 2nd Amendment; repeal the 16th.)
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To: CPOSharky
Since when is a bike with a sidecar considered a car?

A bike with a sidecar is unstable and dangerous as compared to a plain bike. It sure won't handle like a car!

I would think insurance would cost more with a sidecar than without one.

11 posted on 01/13/2006 6:07:31 AM PST by Slump Tester ( What if I'm pregnant Teddy? Errr-ahh Calm down Mary Jo, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it)
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To: radar101

California Vehicle Code:

Definition of a Motorcycle
400. (a) A "motorcycle" is any 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, and weighing less than 1,500 pounds.
(b) A motor vehicle that has four wheels in contact with the ground, two of which are a functional part of a sidecar, is a motorcycle if the vehicle otherwise comes within the definition of subdivision (a).
(c) A motor vehicle that is electrically powered, has a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour, and weighs less than 2,500 pounds, is a motorcycle if the vehicle otherwise comes within the definition of subdivision (a).
(d) A farm tractor is not a motorcycle.
(e) A motor vehicle that has an enclosed seating area for the driver and passenger, and is used by local public agencies for the enforcement of parking control provisions, is not a motorcycle.


12 posted on 01/13/2006 6:13:24 AM PST by PBRSTREETGANG
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To: Slump Tester

It is correct to say that sidecar rigs are different from two wheeled motorcycles. It is correct to say that they are different from cars. It is incorrect to say that they are unstable and dangerous.

Sidecars are only unstable and dangerous when driven by someone who does not understand the physics involved in properly handling one. That is why my previous post recommended training.

I have a lot of experience on both two and three wheels. I like two the best, but three is really cool because it lets me bring my wife and son along for the ride.

PS - Insurance is dirt cheap.


13 posted on 01/13/2006 6:15:47 AM PST by WayneS (Honor the 2nd Amendment; repeal the 16th.)
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To: PBRSTREETGANG

So the Governor was guilty of operating a motorcycle without a license. He should be cited and fined.


14 posted on 01/13/2006 6:17:55 AM PST by WayneS (Honor the 2nd Amendment; repeal the 16th.)
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To: PBRSTREETGANG

(d) A farm tractor is not a motorcycle.

BWA-HAHAHAHAHAHAHA..............HAHAHAHA. Only in Califunny does one attempt to define a tractor as a motorcycle! BWA-HAHAHAHA....

15 posted on 01/13/2006 6:38:09 AM PST by Sarajevo
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To: WayneS
So the Governor was guilty of operating a motorcycle without a license. He should be cited and fined.

If he were any kind of a man, he would insist upon it.

What a wussy little girly-man Arnold is turning out to be...

16 posted on 01/13/2006 6:47:57 AM PST by gridlock (It's not really a Circus until Teddy Kennedy steps out of the Clown Car...)
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To: radar101

Sounds like the governor should be cited.

It also sounds like this idiot isn't taking responsibility for his own mistakes yet.


17 posted on 01/13/2006 6:53:44 AM PST by untrained skeptic
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To: Sarajevo

Well, at least in this case they had it right. Without this exemption some tractors would fall under the definition of a motorcycle. I doubt this type of language is unique to the left coast.


18 posted on 01/13/2006 6:57:51 AM PST by 70times7 (An open mind is a cesspool of thought)
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To: gridlock
And that one's outta here - over the center field wall, in fact!

If he were the leader he pretends to be he would indeed insist that they ticket and fine him, and he would request the maximum. It is not as if he would be "hurt" by it; he woulden't. But it would demonstrate to all that no one is above the law the HE took an oath to uphold.

19 posted on 01/13/2006 7:03:39 AM PST by 70times7 (An open mind is a cesspool of thought)
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To: Sarajevo

20 posted on 01/13/2006 7:03:39 AM PST by Bear_Slayer
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