Towing Person on Bicycle or Skates
Towing a person riding a bicycle, roller skates, sled, or similar device behind a motor vehicle on a public highway.
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 Towing Person on Bicycle or Skates ticket?
This violation occurs when a driver tows someone on roller skates, a bicycle, skateboard, or similar device behind their motor vehicle on a public road. It's designed to prevent dangerous situations where a person being towed could lose control or be dragged into traffic.
This ticket carries a fine of approximately $238 to $350 when court fees are included, plus 1 point on your DMV record. That point stays for 3 years and can increase your insurance rates by 15-25% annually.
This 1-point violation will likely appear on your driving record for 3 years. Insurance companies typically raise rates 15-25% after a moving violation, which could cost hundreds of dollars over the life of the point.
What the Law Says
No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a highway while towing a person on roller skates, bicycle, or similar device.
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1Your motor vehicle towed a person on a bicycle, roller skates, or similar device
- 2The person was attached to your vehicle by any line or rope
How Drivers Get This Ticket
A parent drives slowly while their child holds onto the car's bumper on a skateboard in a residential neighborhood.
Cited for CVC 21716 because the activity occurred on a public roadway, regardless of speed or neighborhood setting.
A driver uses a rope to pull their friend on roller skates through a parking lot at a closed shopping center.
May not violate CVC 21716 if the parking lot is private property, not a public highway.
A cyclist holds onto a moving car's mirror for a brief moment to catch a ride up a hill.
Cited for towing violation because the cyclist was being propelled by the motor vehicle on a public road.
Common Defenses for Towing Person on Bicycle or Skates
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
No towing of a person occurred
CVC 21716 prohibits towing a person on a bicycle, scooter, or roller skates behind a motor vehicle. Challenge the factual basis if this did not occur.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Photographs or video showing no towing connection between the vehicle and any person
- ✓Evidence that the location was private property, not a public roadway
- ✓Witness statements confirming no towing activity occurred
- ✓Documentation showing the person on the device was traveling independently alongside the vehicle
- ✓GPS data or dashcam footage contradicting the officer's observations
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Admitting to any towing activity when speaking with the officer during the stop
- ✗Arguing that you were going slowly or being careful—speed is not a defense
- ✗Claiming you didn't know it was illegal—ignorance of the law is not a valid defense
- ✗Missing your court deadline while gathering evidence
- ✗Confusing this violation with other bicycle-related laws when preparing your defense
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Frequently Asked Questions About Towing Person on Bicycle or Skates
What exactly counts as 'towing' under this law?▼
Towing includes any situation where a motor vehicle propels or pulls a person on a non-motorized device like skates or a bicycle. This can include using a rope, having someone hold onto the vehicle, or any other connection that causes forward movement.
Does this law apply if I was only going 5 mph?▼
Yes, the speed does not matter. The violation occurs regardless of how slowly you're driving. The law is concerned with the inherent danger of towing a person, not the speed involved.
Can I get this ticket if it happened in my neighborhood?▼
Yes, residential streets are public roadways covered by this law. The only exception would be if the activity occurred entirely on private property that is not open to public use.
What if the person being towed was an adult who consented?▼
Consent from the person being towed is not a defense. The driver is responsible under this law regardless of whether the other person agreed to participate.
Is this different from a cyclist holding onto a car?▼
No, a cyclist holding onto a moving vehicle falls under the same prohibition. The law covers any method by which a motor vehicle propels a person on a bicycle, skates, or similar device.
Traffic School Option
As a 1-point moving violation, CVC 21716 typically qualifies for traffic school if you haven't attended in the past 18 months. Completing traffic school masks the point from your public record and prevents insurance increases.
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Related Violations
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.