CVC 27801Eligible for written declarationCorrectable

Motorcycle Equipment Violation

Driving a two-wheel motorcycle with a seat too high to reach the ground or handlebars placing the hands more than six inches above shoulder height.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $193, or $25 if correctedDMV Points: 1✓ Correctable🏫 Traffic school may be available

1 DMV point on a conviction. If your citation is marked correctable and you file proof of correction, the court clerk collects a $25 fee (Vehicle Code 40611), and a violation dismissed on proof of correction adds no point.

Insurance: insurers must weigh your driving safety record first (Insurance Code 1861.02(a)), and more than one violation point counted under Vehicle Code 12810(a) to (d), (f), (i)(1) or (j) in the previous three years ends Good Driver Discount eligibility (Insurance Code 1861.025(b)(1)).

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 Motorcycle Equipment Violation ticket?

CVC 27801 says a person shall not drive a two-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with (a) a seat so positioned that the driver, when sitting astride the seat, cannot reach the ground with his or her feet, or (b) handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than six inches above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

A person shall not drive a two-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with either of the following: (a) A seat so positioned that the driver, when sitting astride the seat, cannot reach the ground with his or her feet. (b) Handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than six inches above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You drove a two-wheel motorcycle
2Its seat was positioned so that you could not reach the ground with your feet when sitting astride it, or its handlebars put your hands, on the grips, more than six inches above your shoulder height when sitting astride the seat

Arguments Commonly Raised for Motorcycle Equipment Violation

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

Handlebar height

CVC 27801(b) applies when the hands on the grips are more than six inches above the driver's shoulder height while sitting astride the seat. Include a photo with a measurement.

Reaching the ground

CVC 27801(a) applies when the driver, sitting astride the seat, cannot reach the ground with his or her feet. Include a photo of you seated.

Correction

If your notice is marked correctable and you present proof of correction, certified as Vehicle Code 40616 describes, by mail or in person on or before the date on your notice, the court shall dismiss the charge (Vehicle Code 40522). The clerk collects a $25 transaction fee unless the notice is processed only by the agency that issued it (Vehicle Code 40611).

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the measurement while seated
✗Not getting the correction certified and presented to the court by the date on your notice

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 27801 — Motorcycle Equipment Violation. Driving a two-wheel motorcycle with a seat too high to reach the ground or handlebars placing the hands more than six inches above shoulder height.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 27801. 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 Motorcycle Equipment Violation

How high can motorcycle handlebars be in California?▼

CVC 27801(b) says the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, may not be more than six inches above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat.

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Traffic School Option

If you are convicted instead of correcting the violation, it carries 1 DMV point. The court may let you complete traffic school. If it is the only ticket you have done traffic school for in 18 months, the record is kept confidential and no point is counted (Vehicle Code 1808.7(a)). Traffic school is not available for a violation in a commercial motor vehicle (Vehicle Code 42005(c)(1)). If you hold a commercial driver license, the record is not kept confidential (Vehicle Code 1808.7(b)). Check your notice or your court's website for your options.

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