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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 11Ch. 1Art. 5§ 21221 Scooter Operator Highway Rights

§ 21221 Scooter Operator Highway Rights

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 21221 Scooter Operator Highway Rights

This law says that if you ride a motorized scooter on the road, you have to follow the same rules as people driving cars, including not drinking or doing drugs while riding.

Key Takeaways

  • •Riding a motorized scooter on the road means following the same rules as car drivers.
  • •You can get in trouble for drinking or doing drugs while riding a scooter, just like driving a car.
  • •Most car rules apply to scooters, except for ones that don’t make sense for scooters.

Example

If you ride your motorized scooter after drinking beer, you can get arrested just like if you were driving a car drunk.

The law treats scooter riders the same as car drivers when it comes to drinking and drugs.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21221 Scooter Operator Highway Rights

Every person operating a motorized scooter upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and by Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000), Division 17 (commencing with Section 40000.1), and Division 18 (commencing with Section 42000), except those provisions which, by their very nature, can have no application. (Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 722, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2000.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

motorized scooterhighwayrightsprovisionsdriving under the influence

Related Statutes

  • § 12500 Driver License Requirement
  • § 21220.5 Motorized Scooter Definition
  • § 21221.5 Motorized Scooter Dui
  • § 21223 Scooter Night Equipment Requirements
  • § 21224 Motorized Scooter Exemptions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 21221.
View Official Source