Los Angeles County, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Driving in bike lane
- Prohibited except crossing/parking
- Crossing exception
- Permanent or temporary driveway
- Unauthorized parking fine
- $35.00
- General infraction fine
- $100 first offense
- Scope
- Unincorporated county highways only
Summary
On county highways in unincorporated Los Angeles County, drivers must not drive in a marked bicycle lane except to cross at a driveway or to park where parking is legal or the vehicle is disabled.
A. If the commissioner finds that the width of a county highway, and the amount of traffic thereon, is such that a separate lane could be provided to accommodate bicycle traffic, he may place appropriate markings and may erect and maintain appropriate signs indicating the bicycle lane. B. A person shall not operate a motor vehicle in the bicycle lane except to cross at a permanent or temporary driveway, or for the purpose of parking a vehicle where parking is permitted or where the vehicle is disabled.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code § 15.52.040 lets the county's traffic commissioner mark a bicycle lane on any county highway wide enough to carry a separate bike lane alongside vehicle traffic. Once striped and signed, motor vehicles are barred from driving in that lane on county roads in the unincorporated area, with two narrow carve-outs: crossing it to reach a permanent or temporary driveway, and parking there where curb parking is otherwise allowed or the vehicle has broken down. The county's bail schedule treats unauthorized bike-lane parking as its own line-item infraction.
Violations & Fines
Los Angeles County cites unauthorized bicycle-lane parking under § 15.52.040 at a $35.00 bail-schedule fine; driving through a bike lane outside the driveway-crossing exception is a general Title 15 infraction, fined at $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each further violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive into a bike lane to reach my driveway?
Does this ordinance apply inside the City of Los Angeles?
What's the fine for parking in a marked bike lane?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California mobility & curb rules overview
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