Maryland Bicycle Laws and Regulations

When bicycling through Maryland, we want you to have fun and be safe, so please be aware of your skill levels, make sure your equipment is in good working order, always wear a helmet and obey the following rules:

In Maryland, the bicycle is classified as a vehicle with all of the same requirements and restrictions as a motor vehicle, except the following:

Bicycles are prohibited on:

• Roads wheret he posted speed limits are greater than 50 mph (riding on the shoulder of the roadway is permitted)
• Expressways or other roadways where bicycles are prohibited
• The travel lanes of roads where there exists a smooth shoulder or bicycle lane (except to makeleft turns or to avoid debris in the shoulder space)

On all public roads, where bicycling is allowed, the operator must:

• Wear a bicycle helmet if they are under 16 years old
• Obey all traffic signs, signals and other traffic devises
• Ride in the same direction as motor vehicles, as near to the right side of the roadway as possible
• Use standard arm signals to alert other drivers of lane changes and turns
• Stop for school buses when they are loading or unloading children
• Yield to pedestrians
• Refrain from wearing a headset that covers both ears

Legally, the bicycle must be equipped with:

• Front and rear lamps and reflectors if the bicycle is used on a public road at any time when there is insufficient light or inclement weather
• A bell or horn (sirens and whistles are not acceptable)
• Brakes

For specific language on the laws that pertain to bicycles, call and request a copy of "The Maryland Vehicle Law Pertaining to Bicycles."

The information above was extracted from the State Highway Administration booklet BICYCLING IN MARYLAND - A Bicycle Information Guide, printed in the fall of 1995. It reflects the changes made to Maryland Law enacted in the Bike/Ped Access 2000 Bill. The complete booklet is available from: