Plain English Breakdown
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San Mateo Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program
This law allows San Mateo County and its cities to create temporary rules banning children under age 12 from riding Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycles until January 1, 2031.
What This Bill Does
- Allows local authorities in the County of San Mateo, including unincorporated areas, to pass rules prohibiting riders under 12 years old from using Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycles until January 1, 2031.
- Requires a public information campaign for at least 30 calendar days before any new rule takes effect.
- Makes violations punishable by only a warning notice during the first 60 days after a local rule is adopted.
- Imposes a $25 fine on violators starting from day 61 of the enforcement period, with some exceptions not detailed in this summary.
- Holds parents or legal guardians jointly and severally liable for fines if their unemancipated minor child breaks the new rules.
- Requires San Mateo County to submit a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2030, including details on traffic stops initiated for violations, results of those stops, and actions taken by peace officers.
Who It Names or Affects
- Children under 12 years of age who ride Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycles in San Mateo County areas where the rule is adopted.
- Parents or legal guardians with control or custody of unemancipated minors who violate the new local rules.
- Local authorities and the County of San Mateo responsible for creating ordinances, running information campaigns, and reporting data.
Terms To Know
- Class 1 electric bicycle
- A bike with a motor that only helps when pedaling and stops helping at 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2 electric bicycle
- A bike with a motor that can move the bike without pedaling but stops helping at 20 miles per hour.
- Ordinance or resolution
- An official local law or rule passed by city or county leaders.
Limits and Unknowns
- This program only applies to the County of San Mateo and does not change state laws for other areas.
- The bill authorizes rules but does not guarantee that every city in the county will choose to pass them.
- The law ends on January 1, 2031, unless extended by future legislation.