so-cal hotrod laws?

So I am moving to Redondo Beach area around the first of July. While I was reading the bitching on the muffler thread I wanted to know what the law states for hotrods in the area. When i say states I mean what the actual laws read in the books. Does anyone know where I can find copy or link to the state of California's laws? I love when you know the law better then the piggy's giving you shit, cause you can basically them them to take a hike.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Brady

 

try this

 

go to the local dmv and get a copy of the "vehicle code book" for $7, it's the best way and makes for good reading.

 

Maybe I should post this on the other thread, but - Redondo and most of the other beach cities created noise laws in the late 80's to combat the minitruckers and their boomin' systems. Most cities adopted a "50 foot" rule, which was loosely interpreted by the cops as anything they could hear that they objected to. Redondo's law went with a maximum noise level, I think its 94 dB, it's posted on signs around town. So their cops can measure the actual sound level before they cite you, and it doesn't matter whether the noise comes from your Smitty's or that guy's Sir Mix-a-Lot tape.

My experience with the Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and El Segundo cops is, they're pretty cool with you if you live in the area and aren't being a giant asshat. These communities are pretty safe places to live, partly because of the HUGE police forces they employ. The little bit of hassle I get is easily offset by the fact that I can leave my car in front of my house all night with the windows down and the keys in the ignition, and it's still there in the morning.

 

Here is the CA laws... You should search for your city ones...http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/.html/veh_table_of_contents.html

 

thank you all it is exactly what I was looking for thank. Keep the info tips coming.

Brady

 

Redondo Beach PD is the Gestapo...

They don't like Old cars that are out of place.

They totaly profile. I understand they do what the Community want's But sometimes they go overboard.

Make sure you are totaly in the right before you try to beat them down with your Knowledge.

 

Having done both of the following I suggest ...caution...

Knowing what the vehicle code says in regard to every aspect of your modifications to your car is a smart move. I would also suggest not saying anything to the arresting officer (which is what happens when you are pulled over). If the opportunity does arise, accept the ticket and then go to court and plead your case, most judges will be relaxed, not as confrontational as the officer on the street.

A word of warning though, I don't know when the last time you told a cop to "take a hike" but I've never heard that go over well... besides an attitude of "knowing the law better than the piggys" will shine through clear as day and you will not get the result you want. There are ways to respectfully disagree with the officer but you always run the risk of the officer taking it the wrong way.

Some officers appreciate that you're not just a punk kid and others will spend the next two hours looking over every aspect of your car, your record, their abbreviated version of the vehicle code and then find something wrong with your vehicle or you in order to have it towed just to show you and if you deny them access to search the car that's a fun one if you push it. "yes but under duress"

Point is, stay under the radar, know your stuff and pick your battles.A well spoken word in the right time and place can do wonders and get you to work or home on time. Get the 2006 copy of the vehicle code, grab your post-its and go through every section, sub-section and reference so you will be armed with the knowledge of how legal or illegal your car is.

And yes I do keep a current copy of the vehicle code with the sections marked for tail light height (not to be modified from original"), windshield height and material(6.5" and safety glazing material), exhaust system modification (for the purpose of being louder) and suspension modification (not to be modified from "stock")

Mark-Anthony

 

Thanks, good info.

 

north redondo = laid back.
south redondo = not so much.

i lived in north redundant for 8 years. never a problem. my headlights have never been in adjustment, i've always had a burned out tail light and i've never had a cop look at my car twice.

if you look like you're looking for trouble, you'll find a cop on your bumper.

if you're creeping through the avenues with your lights off, problems.
if you're bumping yer music so that you cant hear a siren, problems.

you'd be in much worse shape in manhattan or PV.

 

Chub-

Mixing it up with cops int he southbay is a bad idea...I know a few of those guys and they are car people. they tend to be cool right up until some asshat trys to argue this or that with them.

Play it cool....I have been pulled over down there just so they could look at my ride....not a big deal...if you are cool they are cool...Be a dick and you better have bail money for you and your car...Unless you drive a completely stock brand new car there will be infractions.

 

Wow...I understand. The thing that I have found out about the police there is that they actually know what they are talking about. Which is good. Police around here pull people over just because they think the car cant be legal. Most here don't even know what kind of car you are driving...all they are worried about here is seatbelts and mudflaps.
Thanks to those that offered the info about the actual laws...this will alow me to finish building the coupe so it will meet all the laws.

 

i just found out just how illegal my car is