{"code":"VEH","codeName":"Vehicle Code","section":"21223","citation":"Veh. Code, § 21223","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"DIVISION 11. RULES OF THE ROAD [21000. - 23336.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/vehicle-code/division-11"},{"name":"CHAPTER 1. Obedience to and Effect of Traffic Laws [21000. - 21300.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/vehicle-code/division-11/chapter-1"},{"name":"ARTICLE 5. Operation of Motorized Scooters [21220. - 21235.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/vehicle-code/division-11/chapter-1/article-5"}],"history":"Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 722, Sec. 5.   Effective January 1, 2000.","effective":"2000-01-01","html":"<p>(a) Every motorized scooter operated upon any highway during darkness shall be equipped with the following:</p><p>(1) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a lamp emitting a white light which, while the motorized scooter is in motion, illuminates the highway in front of the operator and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the motorized scooter.</p><p>(2) Except as provided in subdivision (c), a red reflector on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.</p><p>(3) A white or yellow reflector on each side visible from the front and rear of the motorized scooter from a distance of 200 feet.</p><p>(b) A lamp or lamp combination, emitting a white light, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the motorized scooter, may be used in lieu of the lamp required by paragraph (1) of subdivision (a).</p><p>(c) A red reflector, or reflectorized material meeting the requirements of Section <a href=\"/veh/25500\">25500</a>, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle, may be used in lieu of the reflector required by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a).</p>","text":"(a) Every motorized scooter operated upon any highway during darkness shall be equipped with the following: (1) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a lamp emitting a white light which, while the motorized scooter is in motion, illuminates the highway in front of the operator and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the motorized scooter. (2) Except as provided in subdivision (c), a red reflector on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. (3) A white or yellow reflector on each side visible from the front and rear of the motorized scooter from a distance of 200 feet. (b) A lamp or lamp combination, emitting a white light, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the motorized scooter, may be used in lieu of the lamp required by paragraph (1) of subdivision (a). (c) A red reflector, or reflectorized material meeting the requirements of Section 25500, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle, may be used in lieu of the reflector required by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a).","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/vehicle-code/operation-of-motorized-scooters-21223","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}