CVC 21201(a)Eligible for written declarationCorrectable · Fix under CVC 40522

Bicycle Equipment Requirements

Operating a bicycle on a roadway without a brake that can make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $193, or $25 if correctedDMV Points: None✓ Correctable

This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.

What is a Bicycle Equipment Requirements ticket?

CVC 21201(a) says a person shall not operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it is equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) A person shall not operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it is equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You operated a bicycle on a roadway
2The bicycle was not equipped with a brake that would enable you to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement

Arguments Commonly Raised for Bicycle Equipment Requirements

General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.

The brake met the standard

CVC 21201(a) requires a brake that will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. If your bicycle had such a brake, describe it and include photos.

Where you were riding

The section applies to operating a bicycle on a roadway. Describe where you were riding.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the brake before any repair
✗Not keeping receipts for any repair

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21201(a) — Bicycle Equipment Requirements. Operating a bicycle on a roadway without a brake that can make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

This section is a correctable (fix-it) violation: if the officer marks your notice correctable, the court shall dismiss the charge when you present proof of correction on or before the date on your notice (Vehicle Code 40522). The officer does not mark it correctable on finding fraud or persistent neglect, an immediate safety hazard, or that you do not agree to, or cannot, promptly correct it (Vehicle Code 40610(b)).

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21201(a). It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Equipment Requirements

What brake does a bicycle need under CVC 21201(a)?▼

A brake that will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

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