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

Every city handles mobility & curb rules a little differently. In Norfolk, 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

Norfolk defines a bicycle lane as pavement marked for the preferential use of bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles and mopeds under City Code § 25-2(6). Riders keep right on roadways under § 25-396, and anyone 15 or older must use an available bicycle lane or multi-use path instead of the sidewalk under § 25-398(d), backed by a $50.00 civil penalty.

Key details: Bicycle lane definition: Marked lane for bikes, e-bikes, mopeds. Keep-right rule: Ride near right side of roadway. Sidewalk age rule: 15+ must use bike lane if available. Riders abreast limit: No more than two abreast. Sidewalk civil penalty: Up to $50.00.

Riding on a sidewalk where a bicycle lane or multi-use path is available, or riding on a sidewalk inside a restricted downtown or overlay district without the Elizabeth River Trail exception, is punishable by a civil penalty of not more than $50.00 under § 25-398(f). The section does not carry a separate criminal misdemeanor for adult riders.

Shared E-Scooter Rules

Norfolk limits shareable dockless scooters and bikes to a single citywide operator at a time under City Code § 25-380, requires GPS, brakes and lights on every device under § 25-381, caps speed at 20 mph under § 25-382, and bans parking a device where it blocks a sidewalk or ADA ramp, or exceeds ten devices per block, under § 25-383.

Key details: Operator limit: One franchise/permit citywide. Liability insurance: $4,000,000.00 aggregate, § 25-380. Speed cap: 20 mph, § 25-382. Parking density cap: 10 devices per block. Removal fee: $35 plus $5/day storage.

Article X's default penalty clause, § 25-376, states that unless otherwise specifically provided, a violation of any provision of that article constitutes a Class 4 misdemeanor, up to a $250.00 fine under § 1-10(a)(4). Section 25-383(c) separately bills the operator $35.00 per improperly parked device removed plus $5.00 per day of storage, and § 25-384 allows outright revocation of the operating franchise for noncompliance.

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

Red-Light Cameras

Norfolk's city manager runs a red-light camera program under Code of Virginia § 15.2-968.1, capping installations at one intersection per 10,000 residents. Cameras must clear a 0.5-second grace period after the light turns red before recording a violation, and the city must post signs within 500 feet of every monitored approach before ticketing begins.

Key details: Governing section: Norfolk Code § 25-196. State authority: Code of Virginia § 15.2-968.1. Camera cap: 1 per 10,000 residents citywide. Grace period: 0.5 seconds minimum after light turns red. Signage: Required within 500 feet of intersection approach.

A photo-enforcement penalty cannot exceed the maximum set by Code of Virginia § 15.2-968.1 and carries no court costs. It is not treated as a conviction, does not go on the driving record, and cannot raise insurance rates or add license points. Anyone who unlawfully discloses images or owner data collected by the system faces a separate $1,000 civil penalty per disclosure, and a private vendor's data-sharing agreement can be terminated for misuse.

The Bottom Line

Norfolk'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 Norfolk is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Norfolk 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.