Alexandria's Mobility & Curb Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles mobility & curb rules a little differently. In Alexandria, Virginia, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bike Lane Rules

Cyclists in Alexandria carry the same rights and duties as motor-vehicle drivers under City Code § 10-7-6, may ride two abreast only if it doesn't impede traffic under § 10-7-9, and may not park a bike so it unreasonably blocks pedestrian or vehicular travel under § 10-7-10.

Key details: Riding abreast: max two, must not impede traffic. Parking: cannot obstruct bike lane or sidewalk. Sidewalk micromobility: prohibited citywide. Helmet rule: riders 14 and younger. Helmet penalty: $25 civil fine on parent.

Riding more than two abreast, obstructing a bike lane or ramp by improper parking under § 10-7-10, or riding a micromobility device on a sidewalk draws a standard traffic infraction citation enforced by the Alexandria Police Department. A parent whose child under 15 rides without a helmet faces a $25 civil penalty under § 10-7-12, suspended for a first offense or if a helmet is later purchased before the payment deadline.

Red-Light Cameras

Alexandria runs red-light cameras at up to one intersection per 10,000 residents, with a $50 civil penalty for running a steady red light. Separate photo speed devices in school crossing and highway work zones ticket drivers going 10+ mph over the limit for up to $100.

Key details: Red-light camera cap: 1 per 10,000 residents. Red-light camera penalty: Up to $50, non-conviction. School/work zone trigger: 10+ mph over posted limit. School/work zone penalty: Up to $100. Sign posting: red light: Within 500 ft of intersection.

A red-light camera violation under Sec. 10-3-833.01 carries a civil penalty of up to $50 and is not a conviction or added to the driving record. A school-zone or work-zone speed camera violation under Sec. 10-3-878.12 carries a civil penalty of up to $100 for images-only enforcement, though a violation personally witnessed and ticketed by an officer becomes a driving-record conviction used for insurance purposes. Disclosing collected personal information in violation of either section's privacy limits is a separate $1,000 civil penalty per disclosure.

Shared E-Scooter Rules

Alexandria caps shared e-scooter and e-bike fleets citywide under a permit program run by the transportation department. Operators need insurance, a surety bond, and a business license, and the city can designate no-park or reduced-speed zones for public safety.

Key details: Program type: City-issued micromobility business permit. Fleet cap: Citywide cap set by city manager. Fleet flexibility: Up to 105% of permitted allocation. Liability insurance min: $1,000,000 per occurrence. Parking limit: Max 5 consecutive days in one spot.

The city manager may suspend or revoke a permit after a hearing if the operator has violated the chapter three or more times within a 12-month period (Sec. 9-16-10). A revoked operator cannot resume business in the city for at least 365 days without reapplying and being issued a new permit. Improperly parked devices may be removed by the city at the permit holder's expense, and devices left unclaimed seven days after notice of removal may be treated as abandoned and disposed of (Sec. 9-16-11(c)(6)).

Compared to other cities, Alexandria takes a harder line on shared e-scooter rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Alexandria's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Alexandria is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Alexandria can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.