Significantly, federal law only specifies the maximum speed that the e-bike can travel under motor power alone. tit. Assuming the continued robust growth of the e-bike industry, state legislatures will likely continue to grapple with defining e-bikes, clarifying operation, safety and equipment standards and further distinguishing from motorized vehicles such as mopeds and scooters. Funds generated by Share the Road license plates promote bicycle safety and awareness education in communities throughout Washington. It is legal for all persons of any age to operate a bicycle without wearing a helmet unless otherwise provided by a municipal regulation. 4501.01(A); 4511.01(A); 4511.55(A). Source: Md. Every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any person propelling a human-powered vehicle and shall give an audible signal when necessary. Hawaii does not offer Share the Road license plates at this time. In Georgia bicycles are vehicles according to the statute that defines vehicles and a person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and duties of the driver of a vehicle as provided in Chapter 40-6 of the Georgia Code with certain enumerated exceptions and except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. E-bikes are emissions-free, low impact and operate silently. Florida defines a vulnerable road user as: Florida protects vulnerable road users by providing that a driver who is convicted of a hit and run: Florida currently has the following laws aimed at distracted driving, subject to limited exceptions: Florida requires that a bicyclist, traveling at a speed less than the speed of traffic, must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway except under any of the following circumstances: Florida allows bicycles to operate on sidewalks subject to the following rules: Florida requires that any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride in the lane marked for bicycle use if a lane is marked for bicycle use. California prohibits any person from driving a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication. Florida Department of Transportation Traffic Laws for Bicyclists and Pedestrians: Compilation of laws by Florida Bicycle Association: The driver of a school bus shall not use or operate a cellular telephone while the bus is in motion; No person who has an instruction permit or a Class D license and is under 18 years of age shall operate a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of this state while engaging in a wireless communication using a wireless telecommunications device; and. A bicycle, or a device that is an extension of a bicycle such as an extend-a-bike, a bicycle trailer, or a child's bicycle seat;2. No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones, which is defined as a device which provides the listener with radio programs, music, or other recorded information through a device attached to the head and which covers all of or a portion of the ears. Nebraska requires that any bicyclist upon a roadway, traveling at a speed less than the speed of traffic, must ride as near to the right-hand curb or right-hand edge of the roadway as practicable except any of the following circumstances: Nebraska provides that a bicyclist riding a bicycle on a sidewalk or across a roadway or shoulder in a crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Massachusetts does not provide any modifications to the requirement to come to a complete stop when directed to stop by traffic control devices and does not authorize bicyclists to disobey traffic lights that fail to detect bicyclists. Stat. While exercising due care, treats the traffic control device as a stop sign, and determines it is safe to proceed. In the District of Columbia bicycles are vehicles according to the statute that defines vehicles and a person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and duties of the driver of a vehicle as provided in Title 18 of the DC Municipal Regulations, except for those duties imposed by Title 18 which, by their nature or wording, can have no reasonable application. A skateboard;5. A school bus driver may not operate a school bus while communicating over, or otherwise operating, a cellular phone for personal reasons, whether handheld or hands free, when the vehicle is in motion. There are currently no national standards for laws protecting vulnerable road users, but the League of American Bicyclists has drafted a Model Vulnerable Road User statute, which you can find here: http://www.bikeleague.org/legacy/action/bikelaws/modellaws.php. 29-A 2116; 2118; 2119. Nevertheless bicycles should not be operated while intoxicated. Enforce ordinances by reasonable fines and penalties. In addition, no person shall leave a door open on a side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers. A person under the age of 19 years who holds an instruction permit, or a person under the age of 19 years who holds a graduated license, may not drive a vehicle on a roadway while using a wireless phone; A person, regardless of age, may not use a wireless telephone at any time while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway in a school speed zone, or in a roadway work zone; A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message; A school bus driver may not operate a school bus while using a cellular radio telecommunication device; and, A commercial motor vehicle operator may not use a hand-held mobile phone or engage in texting while driving. Bicycles are also subject to the rights and duties applicable to vehicles and must therefore drive upon the right half of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction. There are currently no national standards for laws protecting vulnerable road users, but the League of American Bicyclists has drafted a Model Vulnerable Road User statute,which you can findhere. ), available here http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/folio.asp. North Dakota allows people biking to treat a stop sign as a yield sign if the stop sign is on a roadway with two or fewer lanes. Wisconsin has no helmet law. In the event a motor vehicle needs to cross a double yellow line in the roadway to facilitate three feet of clearance, the motor vehicle is permitted as conditions of the roadway allow given the relative speed of the vehicles and the clear line of sight available. The laws regulating the operation of bicycles in the state of Wisconsin are generally found in Chapter 346 of the Wisconsin Statutes (Wis. When reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions. The definition of motor vehicle does not include bicycles and a person operating a bicycle is a vulnerable user. However, a person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and duties of a driver of a vehicle, except those provisions that by their nature can have no application. Code Ann. Arkansas does not specifically provide for local authorities to regulate the operation of bicycles or require registration of bicycles, although such authorities may regulate the operation of bicycles through the exercise of their other legal powers. Code 46.61.190;46.61.184;47.36.025. In Wisconsin bicycles are vehicles according to the statute that defines vehicles and a person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and duties of a driver of a vehicle under Chapter 346 of the Wisconsin Statutes, except for those provisions that by their express terms apply only to motor vehicles and those provisions that by their nature can have no application. ), available here http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm. 14-300i; 14-242(f); 14-212c. A driver can drive to the left of the center of a roadway, including a double yellow line, to safely pass a bicycle if it is safe to do so and doing so does not violate other traffic laws. Required by law with age restrictions Some states only require a helmet to be used up to a certain age. Ann. Rev. Source: Utah Code Ann. it is necessary to avoid a condition that makes it unsafe ride in the right-hand lane of the roadway. Oklahoma does not define who is a "vulnerable road user," but provides the following penalties for violations of the 3 foot passing law: Source: Okla. Stat. Stat. With the aid of private funds,Utah has unveileda small electric bike-share system at their State Capitol complex. Rev. 8-1567; 8-126; 8-1587. A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or while crossing a roadway in a crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, except that the bicyclist must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk or crosswalk. A pedestrian, including an individual who is lawfully: (i) actively working on a highway or utility facility along a highway; (ii) providing emergency services on a highway; or (iii) on a sidewalk or footpath; An individual who is lawfully riding or leading an animal on a highway, shoulder, crosswalk, or sidewalk; or. The laws regulating the operation of bicycles in the state of Kentucky are generally found in the Kentucky Administrative Code (KAR), available here: http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/601/014/020.htm. The laws regulating the operation of bicycles in the state of Idaho are generally found in Title 49, Chapter 7 of the Idaho Code (Idaho Code Ann. However, if the driver of a motor vehicle cannot pass a bicycle at a distance of three feet or greater, the driver may slow and pass if doing so will not endanger the safety of the operator of the bicycle. Deemed a motor vehicle with respect to homeowner's/renter's insurance. Texas's law prohibiting driving while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances is written so that it applies to motor vehicles, but the definition for motor vehicles that is applicable for laws related to intoxication offenses includes bicycles. Nevertheless bicycles should not be operated while intoxicated. Transp. Louisiana defines a moped/motorized bike as a pedal bicycle that: Can be propelled by a human, helper motor, or both. Code Ann., Transp. California Department of Motor Vehicles Safety Tips for Bicyclists and Motorists: California Department of Transportation Bicycle Codes, Laws, and Regulations: California Highway Patrol Bicycle Riding brochure: Compilation of laws by Sacramento Area Bicycling Advocates: Compilation of laws by Los Angeles Department of Transportation: Compilation of laws by California Bicycle Coalition: Any person who knowingly projects any object or substance at or against a bicyclist commits a class 2 misdemeanor. Ann. Iowa has no helmet law. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into an alley, private road or driveway. To throw any stone, rock, missile or any substance at any bicycle; or, Wrongfully to injure, deface or damage any bicycle or any part thereof, If a driver violates certain laws related to driving in a school zone and is the proximate cause of a collision with a pedestrian or a person riding a bicycle there are increased penalties due to such collision; and. South Dakota does not have any vulnerable road user laws at this time. Nevada began offering Share the Road license plates in 2015. No motor vehicle or person is approaching on the street or highway to be crossed or entered or is so far away from the intersection that it does not constitute an immediate hazard. New Jersey currently has the following laws aimed at distracted driving, subject to limited exceptions: Source: N.J. Stat. A collision of a motor vehicle with a person operating a bicycle is prima facie evidence of a violation of the safe passing law. A person commits criminal homicide, a third degree felony, if the person operates a moving motor vehicle in a negligent manner: while using a handheld wireless communication device as described above; and. Mississippi does not provide any modifications to the requirement to come to a complete stop when directed to stop by traffic control devices and does not authorize bicyclists to disobey traffic lights that fail to detect bicyclists. Stat. Source: Mass. Laws), available here http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28awasi3bkmkduuvfsexvoryai%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=mclbasicsearch. North Carolina currently has the following laws aimed at distracted driving, subject to limited exceptions: Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. The North Carolina Department of Transportation in its "Guide to North Carolina Bicycle and Pedestrian Laws" currently advises that this law does not apply to bicyclists. Codified Laws 32-20B-2; 32-20B-3. In other words, the manufacturing and first sale of an e-bike is regulated by the federal government, but its operation on streets and bikeways lies within a states control. Source: Idaho Code Ann. Subd. New Hampshire Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Program: Central New Hampshire Bicycling Coalition Compilation of laws: Hanover Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Compilation of laws: The use of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device by an operator of a moving motor vehicle on a public road or highway shall be unlawful except when the telephone is a hands-free wireless telephone or the electronic communication device is used hands-free; It shall be unlawful for the driver of a school bus to use a cellular or other wireless telephone while operating the school bus; The holder of the special learner's permit shall not use any hand-held or hands-free interactive wireless communication device; The holder of the probationary license shall not use any hand-held or hands-free interactive wireless communication device; and. Utah requires that no person open the door of any vehicle in the path of any approaching vehicle or bicycle. Nevada does not define who is a "vulnerable road user," but has several statutes aimed at protecting bicyclists specifically. New Jerseys two-tiered classification system exempts low-speed e-bikes, which have a maximum operating speed of 20 MPH, from registration, licensure and insurance requirements. In Tennessee bicycles are vehicles according to the statute that defines vehicles and a person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and duties of a driver of a vehicle under Chapters 8 and 10, Parts 1 through 5 of Title 55 of the Tennessee Code, except for special regulations specific to bicycles and those provisions that by their nature can have no application. According to a 2018bicycleindustry analysis,e-bikes sales increased 83 percent between May of 2017 and May of 2018, and e-bikes made up 10 percent ofoverall bikes sales in the U.S. for that time period. Code Ann., Transp. The laws regulating the operation of bicycles in the state of New York are generally found in Title 7, Article 34 of the Vehicle & Traffic Consolidated Laws of New York (N.Y. Veh. Development by radicalDESIGNS. Stat. Nevertheless, bicycles should not be operated while intoxicated. Rev. When overtaking and passing another bicycle, motorized pedal cycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction; When reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions including those caused by a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane; When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized; or. A person who violates this rule may be subject to a fine of up to $500. In Massachusetts, bicycles are subject to the traffic laws and regulations of the commonwealth. tit. 56-5-3445; 56-5-3230. 814.416; 814.414; 811.360. It is legal for all persons of any age to operate a bicycle without wearing a helmet unless otherwise provided by a municipal regulation. 55-52-105; 55-52-106(c). Rev. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to operate a motor vehicle in a careless or distracted manner such that the careless or distracted operation is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury to a vulnerable road user who is lawfully present on the highway at the time of injury. Washington Department of Transportation Bicycle law resources: Bicycle Alliance of Washington Bicycle law resources: Washington Bike Law Highlights of the law: A person may not drive or operate a motor vehicle on a public street or highway while: Using a cell phone or other electronic communications device, unless the use is accomplished by hands-free equipment; A holder of a level one instruction permit who is under the age of eighteen years shall be prohibited from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle; and. Montana offers Share the Road license plates. Nevertheless bicycles should not be operated while intoxicated and a bicyclist may potentially be charged with a DUI because bicyclists are subject to the duties applicable to vehicles. Virginia provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, when a bicycle rider approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic light, the rider may proceed through the intersection on a steady red light if, and only if, the rider: Virginia provides that any locality may, by ordinance: The ordinance shall require the license plates, tags, or adhesive decals to be provided by and at the cost of the locality. 47 11-202.1 [Approved by Governor 5/10/21 not yet codified as of 7/7/21]. Stat. In New Jersey, riders under 17 must wear a helmet. However, the Iowa Drivers Manual does advise that motorists should be careful when opening vehicle doors because road widths can force bicyclists to ride close to parked vehicles where they may be injured by an opening door: http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ods/dlmanual/dlmanual.pdf. Any person convicted of the above offense shall be fined not less than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. (a) A motorized bicycle may be operated under either a driver's license or a motorized bicycle permit issued under section 171.02, subdivision 3. Source: Vt. Stat. Source: Haw. Link to Chapter on Bicycles in Indiana Code: A person operating a motor vehicle shall not steer the motor vehicle unreasonably close to or toward a person riding a bicycle on a highway, including the roadway or the shoulder adjacent to the roadway; and. A court may order the violator to: 1) Attend a driver improvement course; and 2) perform useful public service for a number of hours, which must not exceed three hundred twenty hours. The legislature then modified its motorized bicycles definition by stating that such device is one that operates in excess of 20 MPH with a maximum motor-powered speed of 28 MPH. Ch. Connecticut provides that each town, city and borough shall have authority to make any ordinance not inconsistent with state laws respecting governing and controlling the use of bicycles within such town, city or borough. 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