California Law (All 3 need brakes or only the back)?

[MdKnightMan]

I was wondering if anyone knows what the law is concerning the brakes. I have called the CHP and DMV and got 2 different answers. Do I have to have brakes at all 3 wheels or can I just have back ones? Also does anyone know where a good tutorial is on running brake lines, proportioning valves and pressure valves. I would like for the lines to be as hidden as possible as I wont have a fiber body or any floor pan. Any input would be appreciated.

[stinger608]

Not sure on California laws, but many states require front wheel brakes. I would figure on including them just to be on the safe side.

[peteg59]

My $0.02: I'd do front brakes even if Cali DMV doesn't require them.
I, myself, would not feel safe on a trike without the added stopping power.
I'd even sacrifice how it looks with exposed cable, hydraulic line, for the added safety of a front brake.
About every AMA motorcycle safety instructor will tout the importance of having both front & rear brakes, so it comes with a lot of weight & experience.
UNLESS you are building a show piece rather than a rider...

[DeathBySnuSnu]

As I understand it most states require a front brake.
I do not know if my state does.
But i have a front brake on purpose.
If you have a super light front end a front brake don't do much. But other than that a front brake is really good to have. But then I raced mx for quite a few years and the front brake was an important part to make a good lap time. I use it.

[vw driver]

Here in Washington a trike is licensed as a motorcycle and a motorcycle is required to have front and rear brakes. That being said, I would have built my trike with front brakes even if not required by law. I'm of the opinion that the more stopping power the better. I have stock VW drum brakes on the rear, big Suzuki dual discs on the front, stops on a dime.

[jackthemachinist]

In California, all motorcycles manufactured after 1966 must have front and rear brakes (Section 26311 VC). This includes Special Construction (home built).

(CHP engineer, retired)

[MdKnightMan]

Thanks everyone, looks like its 3 brakes for sure.

[consitter]

Honestly, I've never heard of any motorcycle (or vehicle for that matter) that doesn't have front brakes.

But there's a lot of things I haven't heard of.

[roadhawk]

My Roadhawk came without one. I can get a retrofit from Trike Shop, but they want a grand for it. I'll fab something when I get around to it.
Got disks on the back, and they do a good job.

[Prostreet71]

My trike has never had a front brake and I wont be adding one any time soon.