Advocacy Links
Florida Bicycle
Association
League of American
Bicyclists
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
National Center for
Bicycling and Walking
Florida
Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program
International Mountain
Bicycling Association
Pedestrian and
Bicycle Information Center
Florida DOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Staff
Florida's Bicycle Law Highlights
In Florida the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle.
Bicyclists have the same rights to the roadways, and must obey the same
traffic laws as the operators of other vehicles. These laws include stopping
for stop signs and red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, using
lights at night, and yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway.
There is only one road and it is up to bicyclists and motorists
to treat each other with care and respect. Strict adherence to the law
is the foundation for this respect.
Bicycle Regulations (see Section
316.2065, F.S.)
- A bicyclist must obey all traffic controls and signals.
- A bicyclist must use a fixed, regular seat for riding.
- No bicycle may be used to carry more persons at one
time than the number for which it is designed or equipped.
- At least one hand must be kept on the handlebars while
riding.
- Parents and guardians must not knowingly allow a child
or minor ward to violate any provisions of this section.
- Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake or
brakes which allow the rider to stop within 25 feet from a speed of
10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.
Sidewalk Riding (see Section 316.2065, F.S.)
- When riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks, a bicyclist has the same
rights and duties as a pedestrian.
- A bicyclist riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks must yield the right-of-way
to pedestrians and must give an audible signal before passing.
Lighting (see Section 316.2065, F.S.)
- A bicycle operated between sunset and sunrise must be
equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from
500 feet to the front and both a red reflector and a lamp on the rear
exhibiting a red light visible from 600 feet to the rear.
- Additional lighting is permitted and recommended.
Roadway Position (see Section 316.2065,
F.S.)
- A bicyclist who is not traveling at the same speed of other traffic
must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the
roadway. A bicyclist may leave the right-most portion of the road in the
following situations: when passing, making a left turn, to avoid road
hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share
safely.
- A bicyclist operating on a one-way street with two or more traffic lanes
may ride as close to the left-hand edge of the roadway as practicable.
- Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two
abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive
use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast shall not impede traffic when
traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place
and under the conditions existing, and shall ride within a single lane.
Left Turns (see Section 316.151 (1)(b)(c),
F.S.)
- A bicyclist intending to make a vehicle left turn is entitled to full
use of the lane from which the turn is made. After scanning, signaling,
and moving to the center of that lane, the bicyclist must check the signal,
then proceed when it is green and safe to do so.
- In addition to the normal vehicle left turn, a bicyclist may proceed
through the right-most portion of the intersection and turn as close to
the curb or edge as possible at the far side. After complying with any
official traffic control device, the bicyclist may proceed in the new
direction.
Signaling Turns (see Sub-section
316.155(2) and 316.157(2), F.S.)
- A signal of intention to turn must be given during the last 100 feet
traveled by the vehicle before turning. If a bicyclist needs both hands
for control, the signal need not be given continuously.
- A bicyclist may signal intent to turn right either by extending the
left hand and arm upward or by extending the right hand and arm horizontally
to the right side of the bicycle.
Headsets (see Section 316.304, F.S.)
- A bicyclist must not wear a headset, headphone, or other listening device
other than a hearing aid when riding. Wearing a headset blocks out important
audio clues needed to detect the presence of other traffic.
Civil Penalties (see Sub-section
318.18(1),(2),&(3), F.S.)
- Non-moving violations, such as failure to use required
lighting equipment when riding at night, failure to have working brakes
$32
- Moving violations, such as running stop sign or signal,
riding against traffic $52
- Violations of Chapter 316, F.S. by a bicyclist 14 years
of age or younger $17
Local Ordinances
The local governments of counties, cities, towns, and other
municipalities can adopt ordinances regulating bicycle riding. Some towns
may also have registration and licensing ordinances. Sidewalk riding may
be prohibited entirely or only in certain areas such as business districts.
Local law enforcement agencies can provide copies of local ordinances.
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