California Bicycle Laws

STATE LAWS 

Bicycles have all the rights and responsibilities as an automobile (CVC 21200)
Bikes are considered vehicles and have all the rights and responsibilities of an automobile driver. Bicycles are allowed full use of the travel lane with automobiles. More detail in CVC 21202 (below). 

Alcohol and Drugs (CVC 21200.5) 
It is against the law to ride a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Use of the Roadway (CVC 21202) 
Bicycles traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable except: when passing, preparing for a left turn, to avoid hazards and dangerous conditions or if the lane is too narrow. 

Mandatory Bicycle Equipment (CVC 21202 and 21204) 
Bicycles must be equipped with at least a brake which allows operators to execute to a wheelskid on dry, level, clean pavement. Handlebars must not be higher than the rider’s shoulders. Bicycles must be small enough for the rider to stop, support it with one foot on the ground, and restart safely. At night bicycles must be equipped with a white headlight or white light attached to the rider and visible from the front. Bicycles must also have a rear red reflector and white or yellow pedal reflectors. There must be a white or yellow reflector on the front of the bicycle visible from the side, and a red or white reflector on the rear of the bicycle visible from the side. All riders must have a permanent, regular seat. Bicycle passengers under 40 lbs. must have a seat which retains them in place and protects them from moving parts. 

Hitching Rides (CVC 21203) 
Bicyclists may not hitch rides on vehicles. 

Carrying Articles (CVC 21205) 
Bicyclists may not carry items which keep them from using at least one hand upon the handlebars.

Motorized Bicycles (CVC 21207.5) 
Motorized bicycles may not be used on trails, bike path, or lanes 

Bicycle Lane Use (CVC 21208) 
Bicyclists traveling slower than traffic must use bike lanes except when making a left turn, passing, or avoiding hazardous conditions. 

Obstruction of Pedestrians (CVC 21210) 
Bicyclists may not leave bicycles on their sides on the sidewalk or park bicycles in a manner which obstructs pedestrians. 

Bikeway Obstruction (CVC 21211) 
No one may stop on or park a bicycle on a bicycle path. 

Helmets (CVC 21212) 
Bicyclists and passengers under age 18 must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet when a passenger or riding upon a bicycle. 

Direction of Travel (CVC 21650) 
Bicyclist must travel on the right side of the roadway in the direction of traffic. 

Safe Passing Distance (CVC 21750) 
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle or a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left at a safe distance without interfering with the safe operation of the overtaken vehicle or bicycle, subject to the limitations and exceptions hereinafter stated.

SPECIAL NOTE: It is recommended that drivers who attempt to overtake a cyclist pass with a minimum of 3-feet of clearance to avoid accidental collision. A proposed law, SB1464, currently under review by the state legislature, would amend CVC 21750 to require 3-feet of clearance to pass by law. 

Freeways (CVC 21960) 
Bicyclists may not ride on the freeways where prohibited. 

Toll Bridges (CVC 23330) 
Bicyclists may not cross a toll bridge unless permitted by signs. 

Head Phones (CVC 27400) 
Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears and a headset covering both ears, except hearing aids.