How Raleigh Handles Mobility & Curb Rules: A Practical Guide
Raleigh maintains 150 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with mobility & curb rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Raleigh falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Shared E-Scooter Rules
Raleigh bans motorized scooters, including shared rental scooters, from sidewalks, greenways and multi-use paths, restricting them to shared streets and bicycle lanes. City Code Sec. 11-3004 makes riders subject to the same traffic laws as any vehicle driver and requires yielding before entering or crossing a street.
Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 11-3004. Sidewalks/greenways/paths: Scooters prohibited. Where allowed: Shared streets and bicycle lanes. Speed cap defining scooter: 20 mph on level pavement. Shared-fleet authority: City Manager guidelines, Sec. 12-1007.
Because Sec. 11-3004 subjects scooter riders to the traffic-law provisions applicable to vehicle drivers, riding a motorized scooter on a sidewalk, greenway or multi-use path, or failing to yield before entering or crossing a street, is enforceable the same as any other traffic violation under the City Code and applicable provisions of Chapter 20 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
Bike Lane Rules
It is unlawful in Raleigh to drive, park, stop or stand a motor vehicle in a marked bike lane, with narrow exceptions for driveway access, temporary passenger loading, and traffic-signal compliance. City Code Sec. 11-3006 also lets drivers cross a bike lane, after yielding, to turn or reach adjacent on-street parking.
Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 11-3006. Bike lanes defined by: Official Traffic Schedule No. 26. Crossing exception: Driveway access, after yielding. Related passing rule: 2-foot minimum, Sec. 11-3007. Adopted: Ord. No. 2013-239, 11-5-13.
Driving, parking, stopping or standing a motor vehicle in a marked bike lane outside the driveway-access, temporary-loading, or traffic-control exceptions in Sec. 11-3006 is unlawful and enforced the same as other moving and parking violations under the Raleigh City Code. Passing a bicycle with less than two feet of clearance violates Sec. 11-3007.
The Bottom Line
Raleigh'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 Raleigh is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Raleigh's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.