Florida Bicycle Laws

Road Rules

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 motor 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.

Bicycle Regulations (see Section 316.2065, F.S.) - Read More

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.) - Read More

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.) - Read More

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.) - Read More

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, when making a left turn, to avoid road hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share safely. (See Roadway Position Explained)

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. (See Impeding Traffic Explained)

Left Turns (see Section 316.151 (1)(b)(c), F.S.) - Read More

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 traffic signal, and 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.) - Read More

A signal of intention to turn must be given during the last 100 feet traveled by the bicycle before turning. If a bicyclist needs both hands for control, the signal need not be given continuously.

Refer to the Hand Signals section of this website for information on proper signaling.

Headsets (see Section 316.304, F.S.) - Read More

A bicyclist may 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.) - Read More

Non-moving violations, such as failure to use required lighting equipment when riding at night, failure to have working brakes Moving violations, such as running stop sign or signal, riding against traffic Violations of Chapter 316, F.S. by a bicyclist 14 years of age or younger

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.