Suffolk County, NY Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum passing distance
- 3 feet
- Exception
- Roads with marked bike lanes
- First-offense fine
- Up to $225
- Third-offense fine
- Up to $425
- Adopted
- L.L. No. 13-2021
Summary
Drivers overtaking a cyclist on a Suffolk County road must give at least three feet of clearance, unless the road has a clearly marked bicycle lane, where the buffer rule doesn't apply.
The operator of a vehicle which is overtaking, from behind, a bicycle proceeding on the same side of the road shall pass to the left of such bicycle at a distance of at least three feet until safely clear thereof. The three-foot distance requirement shall not apply on roads which have clearly marked bicycle lanes, as defined by New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 102-a.
Full Breakdown
Suffolk County Code § 818-88 requires a driver overtaking a bicycle from behind to pass to the left at a distance of at least three feet until safely clear of the cyclist. That three-foot buffer requirement drops away on roads with clearly marked bicycle lanes, as defined under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 102-a: the striped lane substitutes for the mandatory passing distance. The law, added by Local Law No. 13-2021, applies countywide on county and local roads alike, not just in unincorporated areas.
Violations & Fines
A first offense is a violation punishable by a fine up to $225; a second offense up to $325; a third or subsequent offense up to $425. Being cited under this law doesn't bar separate charges for any other traffic violation involved in the same incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the three-foot rule apply on every Suffolk County road?
What's the penalty for passing a cyclist too closely?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Suffolk County to another location·View the New York mobility & curb rules overview
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