Cupertino, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Cupertino Municipal Code § 11.08.230
- Motor vehicle lane use
- Barred except park/enter/exit/turn
- Motorized bicycles
- Allowed, safe speed only
- Lane designation authority
- City Manager + City Council
- Violation class
- Infraction, Ch. 1.12 penalty
- Bicycle impoundment
- Authorized under § 11.08.240
Summary
Cupertino bars motor vehicles from driving in a designated bicycle lane except to park, enter or leave the roadway, or prepare for a turn. Motorized bicycles may use the lane but only at a safe, non-endangering speed. Violations are infractions under the city's general bicycle chapter penalty.
11.08.230 Motor Vehicles and Motorized Bicycles in Bicycle Lanes. Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway pursuant to Section 21207 of the California Vehicle Code, any person operating a motor vehicle on such roadway shall not drive in the bicycle lane except to park where parking is permitted, to enter or leave the highway, or to prepare for a turn. This section does not prohibit the use of a motorized bicycle in a bicycle lane pursuant to Section 21207.5 of the California Vehicle Code; provided, that no person shall operate a motorized bicycle upon a bicycle lane at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for visibility and the traffic on, and the surface of, the bicycle lane, and in no event in a manner which endangers the safety of bicyclists utilizing the bicycle lane. ... 11.08.280 Penalty. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in Chapter 1.12, except that no fine imposed for violation of any licensing and registration provisions of this chapter shall exceed ten dollars.
Full Breakdown
230 of the Cupertino Municipal Code governs use of bicycle lanes established under California Vehicle Code Section 21207. Once a lane is established on a roadway, a person operating a motor vehicle on that roadway may not drive in the bicycle lane except to park where parking is permitted, to enter or leave the highway, or to prepare for a turn, meaning brief lane crossings for these purposes are lawful but general driving or extended travel in the lane is not. 5, but the operator may not travel at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent given visibility and lane conditions, and must never operate in a manner that endangers bicyclists using the lane.
250 by erecting signs or approved pavement markings, and once a lane is marked, no person may disobey the marking. 240, with the City retaining the bicycle until the violation is resolved. 12, the city's general penalty chapter, except that fines for violating the chapter's licensing and registration provisions specifically are capped at ten dollars.
Violations & Fines
Driving a motor vehicle in a marked bicycle lane outside the parking, entry, exit, or turn-preparation exceptions, or operating a motorized bicycle in a lane at an unsafe speed, is an infraction under Section 11.08.280, punished per Chapter 1.12's general penalty schedule. Bicycles used in violation of Chapter 11.08 can be impounded by the City under Section 11.08.240 until compliance is shown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car in a Cupertino bike lane to reach a driveway?
Are motorized bicycles allowed in Cupertino bike lanes?
What happens if I ignore a marked bicycle lane sign in Cupertino?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
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