CVC 21204(a)Eligible for written declaration

Riding on Bicycle Handlebars

Operating a bicycle on a highway without riding upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to it, unless the bicycle was designed to be ridden without a seat.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $193DMV Points: None

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 Riding on Bicycle Handlebars ticket?

CVC 21204(a) says a person operating a bicycle upon a highway shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to it, unless the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) A person operating a bicycle upon a highway shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto, unless the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were operating a bicycle upon a highway
2You were riding other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle

Arguments Commonly Raised for Riding on Bicycle Handlebars

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

Bicycle designed without a seat

CVC 21204(a) does not apply if the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat. If that fits your bicycle, include the maker's information.

How you were riding

If you were riding upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle, describe it.

Where you were riding

The section applies upon a highway. Describe where you were riding.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the bicycle and its seat
✗Not keeping the manufacturer's information for your bicycle

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21204(a) — Riding on Bicycle Handlebars. Operating a bicycle on a highway without riding upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to it, unless the bicycle was designed to be ridden without a seat.

This is a fixed-rule section: it describes a specific act or limit. The question is whether the facts show that act: what happened, where, and how it was observed or measured.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21204(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 Riding on Bicycle Handlebars

Does CVC 21204(a) cover a passenger on the handlebars?▼

No. CVC 21204(a) is about the person operating the bicycle riding upon or astride a permanent and regular seat. Passengers are covered by 21204(b): a person shall not ride as a passenger on a bicycle upon a highway other than upon or astride a separate seat attached to it, and an operator shall not allow a person to ride as a passenger that way.

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Related Violations

CVC 21200(a)CVC 21201(a)