NJ Bicycling Regulations

Bicycling in New Jersey is regulated under Title 39 of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation laws.

39:4-14.2

Every person riding a bicycle should ride in the same direction as vehicular traffic. In New Jersey, the law states a bicyclist must obey all state and local automobile driving laws.

1. To make a left turn from a left turn lane or pocket;
2. To avoid debris, drains, or other hazardous conditions on the right;
3. To pass a slower moving vehicle;
4. To occupy any available lane when traveling at the same speed as other traffic;
5. To travel no more than two abreast when traffic is not impeded, but otherwise ride in single file.

39:4-10.11

Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway shall ride as near to the right roadside as practicable exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. A bicyclist may move left under any of the following conditions:

39:4-11 AUDIBLE SIGNAL

A bicycle must be equipped with a bell or other audible device that can be heard at least 100 feet away, but not a siren or whistle.

39:4-10 LIGHTS ON BICYCLES

When in use at nighttime every bicycle shall be equipped with: 1) A front headlamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front; 2) A rear lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear; 3) In addition to the red lamp a red reflector may be mounted on the rear.

For more New Jersey laws on bicycling, please visit NJ DOT’s Bicycling Regulations page.