UCEG...you quoted some law you got from Google, but what code is that law from? If you're gonna quote points and authority, doesn't do any good unless you specify the source...for instance, your typical California cop is familiar with the California Vehicle Code (CVC or VC for short), as well as a few other criminal codes such as the Penal Code, certain sections of the Business & Professions Code, the Health & Safety Code, the Welfares & Institutions Code, but probably wouldn't be keeping much up on the Sand and Gravel Code...ya know? So if the section you quote is from some obscure code somewhere here or there, you're probably gonna be safe.

 

that is meant only for event recorders used by commercial business and public safety; not recreational use and gopros

 

......yeah, i think it has to do with driver safety and performance monitoring, not recreational use. just keep it out of the way of your view and you should be golden.

 

Do the right thing and turn yourself in...

 

Nope, you can't use a GoPro in Cali unless you put a tin foil helmet on it.

Relax, I'm just kidding. You are reading into this way to much. Based on your other story, you have had a bad experience in the past, but don't let it ruin your future.

California DMV Code - V C Section 26708 Material Obstructing or Reducing Driver x2019 s View

(13) (A) A video event recorder with the capability of monitoring driver performance to improve driver safety(your purpose is recreational, not for stated purpose), which may be mounted in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver, in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver and outside of an airbag deployment zone, or in a five-inch square mounted to the center uppermost portion of the interior of the windshield. As used in this section, “video event recorder” means a video recorder that continuously records in a digital loop, recording audio, video, and G-force levels, but saves video only when triggered by an unusual motion or crash or when operated by the driver to monitor driver performance.(Again, you are not installing the recorder for any of the above listed purposes.

(B) A vehicle equipped with a video event recorder shall have a notice posted in a visible location which states that a passenger’s conversation may be recorded.(Actually, an FCC regulation. Does not apply to your GoPro. It is for personal use.

(C) Video event recorders shall store no more than 30 seconds before and after a triggering event.(Not installed for stated purposes)

(D) The registered owner or lessee of the vehicle may disable the device.(This ones obvious)

(E) The data recorded to the device is the property of the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle.(Again, obvious

(F) When a person is driving for hire as an employee in a vehicle with a video event recorder, the person’s employer shall provide unedited copies of the recordings upon the request of the employee or the employee’s representative. These copies shall be provided free of charge to the employee and within five days of the request.(Did you hire your son to ride the bike?)

(14) (A) A video event recorder in a commercial motor vehicle with the capability of monitoring driver performance to improve driver safety, which may be mounted no more than two inches below the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers, and outside the driver’s sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals. Subparagraphs (B) to (F), inclusive, of paragraph (13) apply to the exemption provided by this paragraph.(Is the bike used to do courier, food delivery, get female escorts to the meeting place? Is it commercial use?)
END CODE QUOTE

Just accept that his behavior on the bike, while recording, could be used as evidence if he ends up in court. Just like what I do for a living,the camera can absolve you, and it can be your executioner. Your are installing the camera for the express purpose of recreational enjoyment, most of this code was written when 'Big brother' cameras were placed in trucking company and commercial taxi vehicles. It doesn't apply to you. But, thats just how I read it. I'm from your liability scared cousin state to the east. Nj . Between living here, and my job, I've read plenty of this crap. Just go enjoy the dang thing.

 

Even though it's stated already in my post, CVC, California Vehicle Code. Copied and pasted the information as presented; I didn't write the CVC, someone else did.

I'm still waiting for a return phone call from my local CHP office that I contacted. Guess it's not a priority to call back with clarification of the law.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26708.htm

 

I can't believe people have this much time to waste.

 

I don't know anything about lawyering, but seems to me if the 'event recorder' impairs the drivers ability to safely drive the vehicle and is distracting, that's illegal. Might want to check if motor driven cycles are exempt.

Also, in that section C, it says 30 seconds before and after the event. So the event might be what you want to record for however long you want to record. So if I want to record my ride along Mulholland Dr. or Angeles Crest Hwy, I can't?

 

If you want your answer sooner than later just walk into the station closest to your house and ask in person.

 

As many others have pointed out, your reading way too much into this.
The regulations you keep listing are meant for commercial drivers.
The commercial trucks, buses, etc.
Very often those company's will "monitor" the drivers actions by using an "event recorder" mounted on the dash and pointed back at the driver.

None of this applies to your recreational use of a Go Pro.



True, you can't just mount the camera where it will impede your ability to safely drive.
Look at how many mount their GPS units, and you'll see that it isn't hard to mount one safely.

Again, the regulation that keeps being mentioned has nothing to do with your recreational use of your Go Pro camera.
Record your ride as long as you want.