NJ Bike Laws

39:4-14.5 Definition.

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"Bicycle" means any two wheeled vehicle having a rear drive which is solely human powered and having a seat height of 25 inches or greater when the seat is in the lowest adjustable position.


39:4-10.1 Helmet Law

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In New Jersey, anyone under 17 years of age that rides a bicycle or is a passenger on a bicycle, or is towed as a passenger by a bicycle must wear a safety helmet.

Initial violators of the helmet law will receive warnings. For minors, the parent or legal guardian may be fined a maximum of $26 for the 1 st offense and a maximum of $100 for subsequent offense(s), if lack of parental supervision contributed to the offense.


39:4-10 Lights on Bicycles.

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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.


39:4-11 Audible Signal.

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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.


39:4-11.1 Brakes.

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A bicycle must be equipped with a brake that can make wheels skid while stopping on dry, level, clean pavement.


39:4-12 Feet and Hands on Pedals and Handlebars; Carrying Another Person.

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Bicyclists should not drive the bicycle with feet removed from the pedals, or with both hands removed from the handlebars, nor practice any trick or fancy driving in a street. Limit passengers to only the number the bicycle is designed and equipped to carry (the number of seats it has).


39:4-14.1 Rights and Duties of Persons on Bicycles.

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Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway is granted all the rights and subject to all of the duties of the motor vehicle driver.


39:4-14.2, 39:4-10.11 Operating Regulations.

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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: 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. Every person riding a bicycle shall ride in the same direction as vehicular traffic.

Bicyclists or passengers operating in an area where helmets are not required who need to cross a road or highway should walk with the bicycle.

In New Jersey, the law states a bicyclist must obey all state and local automobile driving laws. A parent may be held responsible for the child’s violation of any traffic law.


Hunterdon Tourism Initiatives

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Cycling Events

09 June 2024

FJCC Farmland Ride 2024

Bicycle through Hunterdon County’s most picturesque farmlands and rolling hills. Four Picturesque and Scenic Rides.

21 September 2024

Bike MS: Country Challenge 2024

Take on a challenge built for riders of all levels. Cycle through the scenic country roads of Northern New Jersey and by the horse farms that make this area popular along with a community of riders dedicated to changing the world for people with MS one pedal stroke at a time.

22 September 2024

#CaringForRare Cycling Event

Up to 100 miles; 100% volunteer and 100% to charity.

view all events