A 3-minute lesson from the North Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Bicycles are vehicles under NC law. Cyclists may ride among other traffic, and sometimes need the full lane. Expect them on all roads except where expressly prohibited, and pass them as you would any vehicle.
Know the rule
Bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as other drivers, including DWI laws.
Cyclists may ride in bike lanes, on paved shoulders or in regular travel lanes, choosing based on road conditions, hazards and conflicts with right-turning traffic.
Bicycle hand signals: driver's manual signals and variations cyclists use
Know the rule
Pass a bicyclist only with abundant clearance and no oncoming traffic in the opposing lane. The safest way is to change lanes, and you must follow the vehicle passing laws.
A cyclist is riding near the right side of a two-lane road and a car is coming the other way. Wait behind the bike until the oncoming lane is clear, then change lanes to pass with plenty of room.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
How does North Carolina law classify bicycles for traffic law purposes?
As pedestrians
As exempt from most traffic laws
As vehicles subject to traffic laws
As sidewalk users only
Answer: As vehicles subject to traffic laws
State law considers bicycles to be vehicles, and bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws, including DWI laws.
