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POCKET GUIDE
TO DC BIKE LAWS
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INTRODUCTION
Thanks for picking up a copy of the Pocket
Guide to DC Bike Laws. This guide, which is
produced by the Washington Area Bicyclist
Association, the District of Columbia
Department of Transportation, and the
Metropolitan Police Department, is designed
to help inform both cyclists and law
enforcement officers of the rights and
responsibilities of cyclists on DC streets.
Unless otherwise noted, all quoted
regulations are taken from the District of
Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR), Title
18 “Vehicles and Traffic”, Chapter 12
“Bicycles, Motorized Bicycles, and
Miscellaneous Vehicles”, and Chapter 22
“Moving Violations”. For direct links to
the DCMR, as well as for links to the laws
of other areas, please visit
http://www.waba.org/resources/laws.php.
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Traffic Laws ................................................................... 7
Does a cyclist have to obey traffic laws? ................... 7
Does a cyclist have to ride with traffic? .....................8
Does a cyclist always have to ride to the right? ........ 8
Who has the right-of-way in a crosswalk? ................. 8
Is it legal to ride between lanes? ...............................9
Does a cyclist have to ride in a bike lane? .................9
Is it legal to ride on the sidewalk? ........................... 10
Do I need to register my bike? .................................. 10
Can cars be parked in a bike lane? ........................... 11
Is it legal for cyclists to ride two abreast? ................ 11
A cyclist has been “doored”. Who’s at fault? ........... 11
Are cars allowed in bus/bike lanes? ........................ 12
Is it legal to talk on a cell phone while riding? ........ 13
Common Enforcement Errors ......................................15
Bicycling Infractions ...................................................25
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Safety Equipment ....................................................... 26
What are the helmet laws in DC? ............................ 26
Does a bike with a fixed gear need a brake? .......... 26
Does a bike need lights when being
ridden at night? .........................................................27
Does a bike need a bell? .............................................2
Bike Parking & Security ............................................. 28
What is the best way to lock a bike? ...................... 28
Where can a bike be locked? .................................. 29
How does someone request a bike rack? ............... 30
How does someone request the removal of an
abandoned bike? ...................................................... 30
How long can a bike be parked in a
public space? ............................................................ 31
Are buildings required to have bike parking? ......... 31
Bikes on Metrorail and Metrobus ............................. 32
Guidelines ................................................................. 33
What To Do in Case of a Bike Crash ......................... 34
Get This Info ............................................................. 35
Additional Information............................................... 36
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n Does a cyclist have to obey traffic laws?
Yes, cyclists have to obey traffic laws.
According to the DC Municipal Regulations,
Title 18, Section 1201.1,
Every person riding a bicycle on a highway shall be
subject to all the duties applicable to the drivers of
motor vehicles under this title, except as otherwise
expressly provided in the chapter, and except for
those duties imposed by this title which, by their
nature, can have no reasonable application to a
bicycle operator.
In addition Section 1201.15 states,
No person shall operate a bicycle except in obedience
to the instructions of official traffic control signals,
signs, and other control devices applicable to
vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer
or other person authorized to direct and control traffic.
TRAFFIC
LAWS
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n Does a cyclist have to ride with traffic?
Yes, cyclists must ride with traffic. Wrong way
riding is the cause of many bike crashes. (see
page 6.)
n Does a cyclist always have to ride to the
right?
No, there is no law requiring cyclists to ride in the
right portion of the traffic lane.
n Who has the right-of-way in a crosswalk?
According to DC code Section 1201.11, a bicyclist in
a crosswalk has all the rights and responsibilities
as a pedestrian in a crosswalk, though cyclists must
yield right-of-way to pedestrians. According to Title
50, Section 2201.28, at unsignalized crossings,
drivers must stop and yield the right-of-way to a
pedestrian crossing the roadway. At signalized
crosswalks, drivers must yield the right-of-way.
TRAFFIC LAWS
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n Is it legal to ride between lanes?
According to the DCMR a cyclist can split lanes.
Section 1201.3(b) states:
A person operating a bicycle may
overtake and pass other vehicles
on the left or right side, staying
in the same lane as the overtaken
vehicle, or changing to a different
lane, or riding off the roadway, as
necessary to pass with safety.
Paragraph (c) in this section
states,
If a lane is partially occupied by vehicles that are
stopped, standing, or parked in that lane, a person
operating a bicycle may ride in that or in the next
adjacent lane used by vehicles proceeding in the same
direction.
n Does a cyclist have to ride in a bike lane?
There are no regulations in DC which state that
bicyclists must use a bike lane when one is provided.
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n Is it legal to ride on the sidewalk?
While not recommended safe cycling practice in
most instances, DC code states that cyclists are
allowed to ride on the sidewalk as long as they are
outside the central business district (CBD). The
CBD is bounded by 2nd Street NE and SE, D Street
SE and SW, 14th Street SW and NW, Constitution
Ave NW, 23rd Street NW, and Massachusetts Ave
NW. Within the CBD, bicycling is allowed on lands
under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service
including places like Lafayette Park, Farragut
Square Park, the National Mall and Dupont Circle.
However, if cyclists do ride on the sidewalk they
must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
n Do I need to register my bike?
As of June 1st, 2008, bikes are no longer required to
be registered in the District and you cannot be pulled
over for having an unregistered bike. For security
reasons, WABA still recommends registering your
bike with the National Bike Registry. More informa-
tion can be found at www.nationalbikeregistry.com.
TRAFFIC LAWS
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n Can cars be parked in a bike lane?
No. Section 2405.1(g) states that it’s illegal to stop,
stand or park in a bike lane. To report a car parked
in a bike lane, please call 311.
n Is it legal for cyclists to ride two abreast?
Yes. Section 1201.7:
Persons riding upon a roadway shall not ride more
than two abreast except on paths or part of roadways
set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons
riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and
reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned
roadway, shall ride within a single lane.
n A cyclist has been “doored”.
Who’s at fault?
The person in the car. Section 2214.4 reads,
No person shall open a door of a vehicle on the side
where traffic is approaching unless it can be done
without interfering with moving traffic or pedestrians
and with safety to himself or herself and passengers.
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n Are cars allowed in bus/bike lanes?
According to the DCMR Section 2220,
The Director of the District Department of
Transportation is authorized to designate any traffic
lane on any roadway for the exclusive use of a single
class or combination of classes of vehicles during
certain hours. During the restricted hours, any vehicle
may enter a restricted right curb lane solely for the
purposes of taking on or discharging passengers or to
make a right turn where a right turn is not otherwise
prohibited by any official traffic control device.
According to Section 2000.4,
The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions
of any official traffic control device applicable to the
vehicle which has been placed in accordance
with the provisions of this subtitle, unless otherwise
directed by a police officer, subject to the exceptions
granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle
in this chapter.
TRAFFIC LAWS
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n Is it legal to talk on a cell phone
while riding?
While certainly not safe, it is legal to talk on
a cell phone while riding. According to Title 50,
Section 1731.04,
No person shall use a
mobile telephone or
other electronic device
while operating a moving
motor vehicle in the
District of Columbia
unless the telephone or
device is equipped with a
hands-free accessory.
Note that the code refers to motor vehicles, which
are defined as “all vehicles propelled by internal-
combustion engines, electricity, or steam.” The cell
phone ban does not apply when dialing police or
emergency services, nor does it apply to police or
emergency personnel if acting within the scope of
their official duties.
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COMMON
ENFORCEMENT
ERRORS
1. Dooring
INCIDENT:
Bicyclist struck by motorist
opening door into traffic.
MPD RESPONSE:
Officer cites bicyclist for
riding two abreast.
(There was no other
bicyclist involved).
WHY IT WAS WRONG:
Title 18 (2214.4) prohibits opening a car door into
traffic unless it can be done safely. The officer
should have cited the driver for violating 2214.4.
Title 18, (1201.2) calls for bicyclists to ride as far
right as practicable.
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2. Traffic Circle
INCIDENT:
Bicyclist in traffic circle is struck by car entering
the circle.
MPD RESPONSE:
Officer tickets bicyclist for failure to yield.
WHY IT WAS WRONG:
Motorist failed to yield
right-of-way to traffic
already within the circle
(Title 18, 2208.7).
COMMON
ENFORCEMENT ERRORS
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3. Left-turning Vehicle
INCIDENT:
Bicyclist riding straight (under the posted speed)
is hit by oncoming vehicle turning left across her
path.
MPD RESPONSE:
Officer cites bicyclist for failure to control speed.
WHY IT WAS WRONG:
The turning driver failed to yield the right-of-
way to the cyclist who was going straight.
(Title 18, 1200.3). Turning drivers must yield
to vehicles approaching from the opposite
direction (Title 18, 2207.4 and 2208.2).
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4. Passing Too Closely
INCIDENT:
Bicyclist riding on the right side of the road is
struck by overtaking vehicle in the same lane.
MPD RESPONSE:
Officer cites bicyclist.
WHY IT WAS WRONG:
Title 18 (2202.2) requires an overtaking vehicle to
pass to the left at a safe distance.
COMMON
ENFORCEMENT ERRORS
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5. Right-turning Vehicle
INCIDENT:
Bicyclist going straight in the right lane is hit
by car from same lane while the car is making a
right turn.
MPD RESPONSE:
Officer cites bicyclist.
WHY IT WAS WRONG:
Title 18 (2203.3) requires that both the approach
for a right turn and the turn itself shall be made as
close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge
of the roadway.
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6. Sidewalk Riding
INCIDENT:
Bicyclist stopped for riding on the sidewalk
outside of the Central Business District.
MPD RESPONSE:
Officer cites bicyclist for
riding on the sidewalk.
WHY IT WAS WRONG:
Title 18 (1201.9) permits
bicycle riding on sidewalks
except in the Central
Business District. (Roughly
Massachusetts Avenue to
the north, Constitution
Avenue to the south, 23rd
Street NW, to the west
and 2nd Street, NE to the
east).
COMMON
ENFORCEMENT ERRORS
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BIKE LANE
7. Riding Outside the Bike Lane
INCIDENT:
Bicyclist stopped for riding in the road when a
path or bicycle lane is present.
MPD RESPONSE:
Officer cites bicyclist.
WHY IT WAS WRONG:
Title 18 (2220.6) states that the existence of
Restricted Lanes on any roadway does not limit
those vehicles for which the restrictions are
established solely for use of the Restricted Lanes
unless specifically indicated by signs.
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8. Taking the Lane
INCIDENT:
Bicyclist riding in the center of
a narrow travel lane is stopped
by police for impeding traffic.
MPD RESPONSE:
Officer cites bicyclist for
obstructing traffic.
WHY IT WAS WRONG:
Title 18 (1201.3) says that a bicyclist riding on a
highway shall not unduly or unnecessarily impede
or obstruct traffic. However, according to Title 18
(1201.2) a bicyclist does not have to ride to the far
right if the lane is narrow or if he/she is trying to
avoid car doors, pavement hazards, or similar
hazardous conditions. A narrow lane is 11 feet wide
or less. Most lanes in the District are 11 feet or less.
COMMON
ENFORCEMENT ERRORS
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WHY IT WAS WRONG:
Title 18 (2207.2) requires that drivers of a vehicle
crossing a sidewalk shall yield the right-of-way to
any pedestrian and all other traffic using the
sidewalk.
9. Vehicle Not Yielding
INCIDENT:
Bicyclist riding on sidewalk is hit by car entering
or exiting driveway.
MPD RESPONSE:
Officer cites bicyclist.
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There are many organized
bicycling events throughout the year.
Visit www.waba.org
for a bicycling events calendar.
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Below is a list of common bicycling infractions
and the fines associated with them (DCMR 18-2602.1)
Carrying objects which prevent operator
from keeping one hand on handle bars (1201.6) $25
Excessive number of riders (1201.5) $25
Furnishing false information (1202.8) $ 5
Hazardous driving (1201.2) $25
Hitching on vehicle (1201.16) $25
Impeding or obstructing traffic (1201.3) $25
Improper equipment (1204) $25
Improper Securing of Bicycle (1209) $25
Riding on sidewalk where not permitted (1201.9) $25
Riding abreast, obstructing traffic (1201.7) $25
Right-of-way, failure to yield (120 1.1) $25
Sounding of warning device (1204.6) $25
Speed, excessive (1201.8) $25
Traffic control device, disobeying (1201.15) $25
BICYCLING
INFRACTIONS
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n What are the helmet laws in DC?
According to Title 50, Section 1605(a) “Motor and
Non-Motor Vehicles and Traffic”, Subtitle V, Chapter
16 “Regulation of Bicycles”,
It shall be unlawful for any person under 16 years of
age to operate or to be a passenger on a bicycle or any
attachment to a bicycle on a public roadway, public
bicycle path or other right-of-way, unless that person
wears a protective helmet of good fit, fastened securely
upon the head with the straps of the helmet.
It’s the law for children AND it makes good safety
sense for everyone.
n Does a bike with a fixed gear need a brake?
No. From section 1204.1:
Each bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which
enables the operator to cause the braked wheels to skid
on dry, level, clean pavement; provided, that a fixed gear
bicycle is not required to have a separate brake, but an
operator of a fixed gear bicycle shall be able to stop the
bicycle using the pedals.
SAFETY
EQUIPMENT
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n Does a bike need lights when being ridden at
night?
Yes. Section 1204.2 states,
Each bicycle, when in use at night, shall be equipped with
a lamp on the front which shall emit a steady or flashing
white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred
feet (500 ft.) to the front and with a red reflector on the
rear which shall be visible from all distances from fifty feet
(50 ft.) to three hundred feet (300 ft.) to the rear when
directly in front of upper beams of head lamps on a motor
vehicle.
Section 1204.3 says, “A lamp emitting a steady or
flashing red light visible from a distance of five
hundred feet (500 ft.) to the rear may be used in lieu
of the red reflector.” Technically DC law states that
when in use at night, a bike should have a front light
and a rear reflector, but WABA and DDOT recommend
using a rear red flashing light as well.
n Does a bike need a bell?
Yes. Under Section 1204.5 “Each bicycle shall be
equipped with a bell or other device capable of
giving a signal audible for a distance of at least one
hundred feet.”
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n What is the best way to lock a bike?
Given enough time and the right tools, any lock
can be broken, but there are ways to reduce the
likelihood of theft. Always be sure to lock your bike
with a sturdy U-lock, even if you think you will only
be away from it for a short time. Use the U-lock
to secure your bike frame and at least one wheel.
Cables can be used in addition to U-locks to
secure both wheels and your seat. Consider a trip
to your local bike shop to buy additional security
devices such as locking quick release skewers and
seat post bolts; they are far less expensive than
replacing stolen wheels and seats. Be sure to lock
to something solid and permanent. If you need to
lock to a sign post, make sure the sign cannot be
easily pulled out of the ground. If possible, lock
your bike in a highly visible area that is close to
your destination. Before you leave, be sure to take
with you anything that can be removed from your
bike such as unlocked wheels, seats, lights, bike
bags, etc. Remember, if you can take it off, so can
someone else.
BIKE PARKING
& SECURITY
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n Where can a bike be locked?
Section 1209.2 states,
A person may secure a bicycle to a stanchion
[parking meter or other pole] by means of a lock or
similar device as long as securing the bicycle does
not obstruct or unduly impede traffic or pedestrian
movement and as long as securing bicycles has not
been forbidden by any notice posted by the Director.
However, according to 1209.3 you cannot lock to
the following:
(a) Fire hydrants;
(b) Police and fire call boxes;
(c) Electric traffic signal poles;
(d) Stanchions or poles located within bus zones
or stands;
(e) Stanchions or poles located within twenty-
five feet (25 ft.) of an intersection;
(f) Trees under ten inches (10 in.) in diameter.
In Section 1209.6 it states that
No person shall park a bicycle: (a) Upon a highway
other than the roadway against the curb; or (b) Upon
a sidewalk; except in a rack to support the bicycle,
against a building, or at the curb in such a manner as
to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic.
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www.waba.org
n How does someone request a bike rack?
Bike parking is an important amenity to provide
for cyclists. If you would like to request a bike
rack, please contact WABA’s Bike Parking Program
Coordinator at 202-518-0524 x210 or bikeparking@
waba.org.
Contact 311 to report dangerous road conditions
like potholes or debris.
n How does someone request the removal of
an abandoned bike?
Call 311 or fill out a service request
at www.dc.gov.
BIKE PARKING & SECURITY
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n How long can a
bike be parked in
a public space?
Section 1209.1: “A person
may secure a bicycle to a
stanchion for a period of
not more than twelve (12)
consecutive hours, by
means of a lock or similar
device.”
n Are buildings required to have bike
parking?
Yes. Title 11, Chapter 21 states that, “Bicycle parking
shall be provided for office, retail and service uses…
The number of bicycle parking spaces shall be at
least equal to 5% of the number of automobile
spaces…” Residential building bicycle parking is
not currently required but it’s a good idea and may
soon be required. This law will likely soon change to
increase the number of bike parking spaces to 10%
of car parking spaces and require all new residential
developing to include bike parking spaces.
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Bicycles are permitted on Metrorail on weekdays
except between 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to
7 p.m. During the week there is a limit of two
bicycles per car. On weekends, bicycles are
permitted on Metrorail all day, as well as most
holidays. On weekends bikes are limited to four
per car. Bicycles are not permitted on Metrorail on
July 4th and other special events or holidays when
large crowds are expected to use the system.
Bikes racks are now
available on the front of
all Metro buses. For more
information on bike access
to other local transit
systems and to learn
how to use the bike
racks on Metrobus, visit
http://www.waba.org/
resources/transit.php.
BIKES ON
METRORAIL
AND METROBUS
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GUIDELINES:
Follow these guidelines when bringing your bike on
Metrorail or Metrobus.
•
Enter and exit through the first and last—not
the center emergency—doors. In an emergency,
place your bicycle on the seats and leave it on
the train.
•
Only regular bicycles are permitted (maximum
size 80” long, 48” high and 22” side). No
tricycles or training wheels are allowed.
Folding bikes are allowed on Metrorail at all
times and do not need to covered or in a bag.
•
Use the elevator at all times. Do not take
bicycles on escalators. Avoid blocking doorways
and aisles. Yield to other passengers.
•
Do not ride bicycles in stations, on platforms or
trains. Keep both wheels on the ground and the
kickstand up. Maintain control of your bicycle.
•
If you are under 16 years of age, you must be
accompanied by an adult.
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If you’re hurt in a traffic crash, don’t ride away or shake
off what seems like a minor injury—you might find
later that it’s worse than you thought. Instead:
• Call the police at 911 (or 311 or #77). If needed, get
medical help immediately.
• Get the following information from every vehicle:
driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s
license number, license plate number, make of car,
insurance company name and policy number.
• Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
Get the name and badge number of the police officer
• Get the police report number from police on the
scene.
• Write down how the crash happened while it’s fresh
in your memory.
• Keep (or photograph) any damaged clothes or
equipment.
Also, if you’re a victim:
• Don’t get mad at the scene. Keep a level head so
you can ask questions and take notes.
• If injured, don’t move unless you’re sure you won’t
hurt yourself more.
Call WABA at 202-518-0524 if you need further
assistance.
WHAT TO DO
IN CASE OF A BIKE CRASH
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GET THIS INFO:
DRIVER, VEHICLE, INSURANCE:
Driver’s Name:
Driver’s License #:
Address:
Phone:
Make of Car:
License Plate #:
Insurance Company:
Policy #:
WITNESSES:
Name:
Phone:
Name:
Phone:
POLICE:
Name:
Badge #:
Police Report #:
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The mission of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association is
to create a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling
for fun, fitness, and affordable transportation; advocating
for better bicycling conditions and transportation choices
for a healthier environment, and educating children, adults,
and motorists about safe bicycling. Since 1972, WABA has
been working tirelessly to make it easier and safer to ride for
transportation and recreation. For more information on safe
cycling tips, local bike maps and the bike laws of other areas,
please visit www.waba.org or call us at 202-518-0524.
District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) mission is to
enhance the quality of life for District residents and visitors by
ensuring that people, goods, and information move efficiently
and safely, with minimal adverse impacts on residents and the
environment. DDOT plans, designs, constructs, and maintains
the District’s streets, alleys, sidewalks, bridges, traffic signals,
street lights, and bicycle facilities. For more information see
www.ddot.dc.gov.
Metropolitan Police Department
One of the ten largest local police agencies in the United
States, the MPDC is the primary law enforcement agency for
the District of Columbia. Founded in 1861, the MPDC of today is
on the forefront of technological crime fighting advances, from
highly developed advances in evidence analysis to state-of-
the-art-information technology. These modern techniques are
combined with a contemporary community policing philosophy,
referred to as Policing for Prevention. Community policing
bonds the police and residents in a working partnership
designed to organize and mobilize residents, merchants and
professionals to improve the quality of life for all who live,
work, and visit the Nation’s Capital.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
