Arizona Bike Laws....... in plain English

28-811 Parents: It’s your responsibility to make sure that your child knows the
rules. Telling them to wear their helmet is not enough. Make sure they know how the
brakes work and the rules of the road. Teach them to be legal and safe.

28-812 Bikes are subject to the same rules and rights that motor vehicles have. That
means bikes have the same right to use the road, and must follow the same rules as
cars. Ride the same direction as car traffic, not against it. Stop for stop signs
and traffic lights.

28-813 Did you know that riding a friend on the handlebars or letting them ride on
the footpegs is totally illegal - if something happens, it’s your fault!

28-814 Grabbing the bumper of a truck or car might sound like fun, but it’s against
the law!

28-815 A. Stay to the right, unless you’re going as fast (or faster) than the rest
of the traffic.........
1. Unless you’re passing another bike, of course...
2. Or, taking a left...
3. Or, trying to avoid debris...
4. Of if there’s not enough shoulder to ride on.
B. Riding next to your friend is okay. But if traffic’s trying to get by, be cool
and ride single file.
C. Bike paths are made for bikes. It’s okay to take your RollerBlades or Razor
Scooter to the bike path.... but bikes have the right of way!
D & E. It’s against the law to park a car in a bike path unless it’s a police car or
an ambulance.

28-816 Don’t try to carry too much. Keep at least one hand on the handlebars.

28-817 A. A headlight is required at night! Drivers of cars should be able to see
your headlight from at least 500 feet away. The reflector on the back of your bike
should be visible from at least 300 feet away, the length of a football field. (A
flashing taillight is a good idea, too.)
 B. It’s illegal to put a siren on a bike. (It's kinda weird, too.)
C. The brakes should make the wheels skid.

28-735 A. If a car passes you on the road, they should give you at least three feet
clearance.

28-756 (and 728) Use hand signals when you turn:
1. Left turn. Point left.
2. Right turn. Point right.
3. Stop or decrease speed. Left hand and arm extended downward.

Visit www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/ars.htm for more information.