On A Bicycle
Va. Code 46.2-800 — a driver's rights, three feet to pass, and lights after sunset
In Virginia, every person riding a bicycle on a highway has all the rights and duties of the driver of a vehicle, unless the context of a provision clearly indicates otherwise.
Where on the road. Below the normal speed of traffic, a rider stays as close as safely practicable to the right curb or edge, except when passing, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards or substandard width lanes, or avoiding a lane that must turn right. Riders may not ride more than two abreast, and move into single file as quickly as practicable when overtaken, though failing to is not negligence per se.
Three feet to pass. A driver overtaking a bicycle passes at a reasonable speed at least three feet to the left, and changes lanes if the lane is not wide enough to pass that way.
- Between sunset and sunrise, a white headlight visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible from at least 600 feet.
- On a highway with a speed limit of 35 mph or greater, a red taillight visible from at least 500 feet.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA narrow lane lets a driver squeeze by | What the law actually doesIf the lane is not wide enough for three feet, the driver changes lanes |
| The assumptionNot moving to single file means fault in a crash | What the law actually doesFailing to is not negligence per se |
Local ordinances on sidewalks, paths and bicycle registration are not all on this page. How these rules apply to a particular crash or ticket is a question for a licensed Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- Va. Code 46.2-800 — Riding bicycles: rights and duties of drivers
- Va. Code 46.2-905 — Riding bicycles on roadways and bicycle paths
- Va. Code 46.2-1015 — Lights on bicycles
- Va. Code 46.2-839 — Passing a bicycle
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.