Rules of the Road 

This is a summary of the bicycle section of the California Vehicle Code. Readers are advised to check the vehicle code for more detailed information and actual wording.

21200.5.  It is against the law to ride a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

21201.  Bicycles must be equipped with a brake that is able to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. 

Handlebars must not be higher than the rider's shoulders. 

The bicycle must be small enough for the rider to stop safely, support it upright with a foot on the ground, and restart safely. 

Every bicycle ridden at night must have the following equipment:

• White headlight, or a white light attached to the rider and visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle.
• A red rear reflector, visible to 500 feet when illuminated by a motor vehicle's headlights.
• A white or yellow reflector on each pedal visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet.
• A white or yellow side reflector on each side of the front portion of the bicycle and a white or red reflector on each side of the rear portion of the bicycle--or--reflectorized tires.

 21202.  Bicyclists traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:

• When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle.
• When preparing for a left turn.
• To avoid hazards that make it unsafe to stay to the far right, including lanes too narrow to share side by side with another vehicle.
• When approaching a right turn.

21203.  Bicyclists may not attach their bicycle or themselves to another vehicle in motion.

 21204.  The bicycle must have a permanent and regular seat.

 Passengers must have a separate seat, and passengers 4 years old or younger, or weighing 40 pounds or less, must be restrained, protected from the moving parts of the bicycle and wear a helmet meeting ANSI or Snell standards.

 21205.  Bicyclists may not carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.

 21206.  This chapter does not prevent local authorities, by ordinance, from regulating the registration of bicycles and the parking and operation of bicycles on pedestrian or bicycle facilities, provided such regulation is not in conflict with the provisions of this code. Check with your local jurisdictions for information about such ordinances.

 21208.  Bicyclists traveling slower than normal traffic must ride in established bike lanes except to pass another bicycle or vehicle, when preparing to make a left or right turn, or to avoid debris or hazardous conditions. 

21209.  No person shall drive a motor vehicle in a bicycle lane established on a roadway, except as follows:

• To park where parking is permitted
• To enter or leave the roadway
• To prepare for a turn within a distance of 200 feet from the intersection

 This section does not prohibit the use of a motorized bicycle in a bicycle lane, at a speed no greater than is reasonable or prudent, having due regard for visibility, traffic conditions, and the condition of the roadway surface of the bicycle lane, and in a manner which does not endanger the safety of bicyclists.

 21210.  It is illegal to leave a bicycle on its side on a sidewalk, or to park it in any way that blocks pedestrians.

 21211.  No person shall stop, stand, sit, loiter or park a bicycle or vehicle upon any public or private bike path or trail, if their actions block the normal and reasonable movement of any bicyclist.

 21212.   Bicyclists and bicycle passengers under 18 years of age must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets ANSI or Snell Standards.

 21650.1.  Bicyclists on the shoulder of a roadway must ride in the same direction as traffic on the roadway.

 21960.  Bicyclists may not ride on freeways where signs prohibit it.

 23330.  Bicyclists may not cross a toll bridge unless permitted by signs.

 27400.  Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears. This section does not apply to hearing aids.