UC IRVINE ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Section 1
Physical Environment and Properties
Transportation and Distribution Services
Sec. 904-13: Guidelines for Vehicles Other Than Automobiles
Responsible Office: Transportation and Distribution Services
Revised: April 2022
References / Resources
- California Vehicle Code
- 100-680 Definitions
- 21113(a)(g) Authority for local traffic laws and regulations
- 21114.5 Electric carts used by disabled persons
- 21115 Golf carts on streets
- 21200 Operation of bicycles
- 21201(a) Bicycles must have fully operational brakes
- 21201(d) Headlights/reflectors required at night
- 21225 Use of motorized scooters
- 21230 Authority to regulate use of bike paths
- 21235 Motorized scooter prohibitions
- 21461(a) Cyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals
- 21650.1 Bicycles must ride with the flow of traffic
- 21716 Golf cart speed regulation
- 21968 Pedestrians' rights and duties
- 22450(a) Cyclists must stop at STOP signs
- 27400 Wearing headphones in both ears while riding a bicycle is prohibited
- 39002, 39004 Registration and licensing of bicycles
- UC Policies
- Hoverboard Policy
- UCI Campus Implementation, 100.00 Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline
- UCI Administrative Policies & Procedures
- Section 904 Policy on Parking, Transportation and Traffic Regulation
- Section 904-10 Parking Definitions, Laws, and Enforcement
- Section 904-11 Parking Permits and Adjudication Guidelines
- Section 904-12 Sustainable Transportation Guidelines
- Section 904-14 VIP Service Program Guidelines
Contact: Transportation and Distribution Services at (949) 824-7275
A. Authority to Create Vehicle Regulations
The Chancellor, on behalf of The Regents of the University of California, is authorized pursuant to sections 21113(a)(g), 21220 and 39004 of the California Vehicle Code to set forth conditions and regulations pertaining to the operation and parking of vehicles, bicycles and pedestrian conveyance devices upon the grounds of the University.
The term "vehicle" is defined in California Vehicle Code (670) as "a device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved, or drawn upon a highway, excepting a device moved exclusively by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks." This includes mopeds, motorized scooters, motorcycles, carts, Segway PTs, and other similar modes of transportation. The term "pedestrian conveyance device" includes skateboards, roller skates, rollerblades, in-line skates, other skating devices, foot-powered scooters and other similar devices.
All rules and regulations of the California Vehicle Code apply to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrian conveyance devices operated on the property of the University of California, Irvine. All vehicles and bicycles must meet the equipment requirements of the California Vehicle Code, including brakes, lights, reflectors, and helmets.
B. Violations
Violation of State and University regulations may result in verbal or written warnings, administrative or Court citations, fines and/or impoundment. Violations by non-affiliated persons may result in temporary withdrawal of consent to be on campus.
Persons who violate campus regulations may be cited by UCI Police Department or Transportation and Distribution Services personnel, in accordance with Section 21113(a)(g) of the California Vehicle Code. Violations by faculty, staff, or students may also result in corrective or disciplinary action through applicable campus procedures.
Following the issuance of a citation, a vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian conveyance device may be impounded if it was used in violation of campus regulations. Prohibited equipment may also be seized by designated University personnel.
A citation for reckless or unsafe riding may be given in addition to the citation and impoundment of a vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian conveyance device.
Problems arising from the administration of these regulations should be reported to Transportation and Distribution Services at (949) 824-7275.
C. Prohibited Transportation Devices and Locations
- Use of the following pedestrian conveyance devices is prohibited on the UCI Campus Core:
- Skateboards, electric/motorized skateboards
- Electric/motorized scooters
- Dockless rental electric scooters and bicycles
- Roller skates, in-line skates, and similar skate devices (including electric/motorized).
- The University's Hoverboard Policy bans the use, possession, charging, or storage of self-balancing, battery-powered boards known as hoverboards, sometimes referred to as electric skateboards or scooters, and other similar equipment at buildings and housing units in all University locations including medical centers. Questions about UCI’s implementation of this policy can be directed to the UCI Fire Marshal at 949 824-6200.
- Equipment (such as ramps, tools, waxes, etc.) used to facilitate stunts or tricks while skating, skateboarding, bike riding, or scootering are prohibited.
- Vehicles, bicycles and pedestrian conveyance devices are prohibited near doorways or on steps, stairways, access ramps, retaining walls, seat walls, benches, railings or similar architectural features.
D. Safe Use
- All vehicles, bicycles and pedestrian conveyance devices must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- No vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian conveyance device may be used in a reckless, disruptive or unsafe manner which includes:
- riding at excessive speed
- performing or practicing tricks or stunts (loitering in areas for the purpose of attempting tricks or stunts is also prohibited)
- causing unnecessary and disturbing noise
- riding with undue regard for the safety of others
- riding in a manner that causes damage to UCI property, including landscaping
- creating any untenable insurance/liability risk to the University.
E. Bicycles (Campus Bike Map)
Bicycles are considered a means of sustainable transportation and recreation. Bicycle riding is allowed on UCI properties except in campus areas where signage restricts such activity, inside all campus buildings, and on all building decks.
- Registration
All bicycles ridden on the UCI campus must be registered with the University or registered/licensed with the State of California. UCI provides its own bicycle registration, separate from the California Bicycle License, which may be obtained from:
- UCI Police Department
- Transportation and Distribution Services
- UCI Bike Shop.
- Operating Regulations
All provisions of the California Vehicle Code apply to the operation of vehicles, bicycles (including Zotwheels) and pedestrian conveyance devices on the UCI campus and must be obeyed.
- Bicycle riding is permitted:
- on all campus roadways
- dedicated bike paths
- bike/pedestrian shared paths
- on Ring Mall before 8:30a.m. and after 5:00p.m., Monday - Friday
- on the Inner Ring within Aldrich Park.
- Bicycle riding is prohibited:
- in campus buildings
- on campus sidewalks
- on landscaped areas
- on Ring Mall between 8:30a.m. - 5:00p.m., Monday - Friday
- in any campus area where signs are posted restricting the riding of bicycles.
- Bicyclists must ride on the right side of the road with, not against, the flow of traffic.
- Bicycles should be operated at speeds that are reasonable and prudent under normal conditions. On dedicated bike paths and the Inner Ring, the speed limit is 8 mph.
- Bicyclists may not carry a passenger except when the passenger is riding on a separate seat attached to the bicycle.
- Bicycle riding is permitted:
- Parking
- Bicycles may be left, parked or stored on University property only in areas designed for bicycle parking. These areas are indicated by the presence of racks or other parking devices, or where signage designates the space as a bicycle parking area.
- Bicycles parked in designated parking areas may not extend into the landscape. Bicycles may not be parked in any way that interferes with the maintenance of landscaped or lawn areas.
- Bicycles parked or stored in areas other than those designated for bike parking are subject to warning, citation and impoundment.
- Impoundment
- UCI Police Department and Transportation and Distribution Services personnel are authorized to impound a bicycle if it:
- is secured to any item other than a bicycle rack designed for parking bicycles
- poses a hazard or impedes pedestrian access
- has been reported stolen to any law enforcement agency
- has been used in a reckless manner
- appears to have been abandoned, i.e., it remains in the same position for more than 72 hours after notice of impoundment is attached.
- If a locking device must be removed to impound a bicycle, the University may remove the securing mechanism, using whatever reasonable means are necessary. The University is not responsible for any damage to the locking device or for its replacement.
- Impounded bicycles may be recovered with proof of ownership after required fees are paid. Bicycles must be licensed before being released.
- Impounded bicycles valued over $300 will be stored for a minimum of 90 days before release for sale or donation at the discretion of the UCI Police Department or Transportation and Distribution Services.
- Impounded bicycles valued under $300 will be stored for a minimum of 30 days before release for sale or donation at the discretion of Transportation and Distribution Services.
- UCI Police Department and Transportation and Distribution Services personnel are authorized to impound a bicycle if it:
- UCI Bike Shop
The Sustainable Transportation Program within Transportation and Distribution Services provides an on-campus bike shop by partnering with private groups who advocate for bicycles on the UCI campus.
- UCI Bicycle Advisory Group (BAG)
The BAG reviews campus bicycling policy, practices, and issues, and makes recommendations to the Vice Chancellor - Administrative and Business Services or designated representative. Comments, suggestions, points of concern, and topics for discussion should be submitted to the Bike Coordinator at (949) 824-RIDE.
F. Motorized Bicycles, Mopeds, and Motorcycles
Motorized bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles must be licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and, like automobiles, may not be operated on campus pathways, on Ring Mall, or the Inner Ring.
These vehicles may be parked only in designated areas of campus parking lots and must display a valid UCI parking permit unless parked in a metered parking space or time-controlled zone.
G. Motorized Carts
- Registration and Identification
Owners of motorized carts must register with Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and visibly display the official University logo bearing the department's name and tracking number issued by EH&S. Any vehicle without proper markings and identification will be cited and/or impounded.
Any modification to a motorized cart must be approved and performed by Fleet Services.
- Operation
Passenger Limit and Load Capacity: Occupancy should not exceed the passenger limit and load capacity designated by the vehicle's manufacturer.
Driving: Motorized carts should be used only on designated campus routes and travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic. Drivers must obey all campus traffic regulations and signs and operate in a manner that does not endanger passengers, other individuals, or damage University property.
Speed Limits: Operators should not exceed speed limits for motorized vehicles and reduce speed on walkways. In crowded pedestrian areas, operators should park or proceed slowly and not exceed the speed of pedestrian traffic.
Passenger Responsibility: Passengers must keep their heads, legs and arms within the cab of the vehicle. Under no circumstances is anyone to ride standing in or on the back of a motorized cart.
- Parking
Motorized carts must display a valid parking permit and be parked only on hard, paved surfaces (e.g., asphalt, concrete, and brick) and not on soft, unpaved surfaces such as landscaping or natural areas covered by mulch, pine bark or straw.
Motorized carts may not be parked on sidewalks, block entrances to buildings, stairways, disabled access ramps, main thoroughfares, or in any way block or restrict pedestrian traffic.
H. Scooters (non-powered)
Scooters* with no electric or other motor are allowed on all pedestrian paths except where specifically prohibited by signage.
* Pedestrian conveyance devices constructed of a footboard on two wheels with a long, solid, steering handle and a braking mechanism; propelled by resting one foot on the footboard and pushing the other against the ground.
I. Segway PTs
All Segway PTs must be registered and display a licensing sticker obtained from Transportation and Distribution Services. They are allowed on any paved path or sidewalk on campus as long as riders display safe and courteous behavior. Unless disabled, riders of Segway PTs should dismount before entering any UCI building.