What is the statute of limitations for a claim under section 1983 of the California Motor Vehicle Act?

The statute of limitations for claims under section 1983 is determined by state law. Cline v. Brusset, 661 F.2d 108, 110 (9th Cir.1981). As agreed by the parties, the appropriate statute is California's three year statute of limitations for actions based on statute. See Cal.Civ.Proc.Code Sec. 338. Federal law, however, determines when a cause of action accrues. Cline v. Brusset, 661 F.2d at 110. "Under federal law, a cause of action generally accrues when a plaintiff knows or has reason to know of the injury which is the basis of his action." Id.