Howell, NJ Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Lighting hours
- One hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise
- Required lights
- White front light and red rear lamp, 500 feet visibility
- Position on roadway
- As near to the right side as practicable
- Group riding
- Single file
- Fine for riders over 18
- Up to $25 first offense, up to $50 after
- Registration
- Free and optional through the Police Department
Summary
Chapter 65 of the Howell Township Code sets the riding rules for bicycles on Township roadways: a white front light and red rear lamp visible 500 feet from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise, riding as near to the right as practicable, and single file. Fines top out at $25 for a first offense and $50 after that.
The following rules and regulations shall be observed in the operation of a bicycle in the roadways, streets and public places in the Township. These rules and regulations are intended to supplement the laws of the State of New Jersey and do not alter them. ... C. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a bicycle upon the streets, highways and public places of the Township during the period from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise unless such bicycle is equipped with a front light which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a lamp on the rear which shall emit a red light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear. ... J. Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall ride in single file.
Full Breakdown
Section 65-9 of the Howell Township Code states that its rules supplement the laws of the State of New Jersey and do not alter them, and the State laws are incorporated as if set out in detail. Chapter 65 does not contain a bike-lane obstruction rule; it governs how a bicycle is ridden on roadways, streets and public places.
Subsection A requires every rider to operate with due regard for the safety of others and to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on streets, highways, public places and crosswalks. Subsection B requires compliance with all vehicle traffic laws that apply to bicycles and with traffic signs and signals. Subsection C is the lighting rule: from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise a bicycle needs a front light emitting white light visible from at least 500 feet and a rear lamp emitting red light visible from at least 500 feet. A red reflector of a type approved by the police can be added to the rear, visible from 50 feet to 300 feet.
The equipment and handling rules follow. Brakes must be adequate to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement (D). Riders signal turns with an extended hand (E), cannot attach themselves or the bicycle to another moving vehicle (F), and cannot carry a second person on the frame or handlebars of a bicycle equipped for the operator only (G). Both hands stay on the handlebar except to signal (H). A bell or device audible for at least 100 feet is required, and no siren or whistle can be used (I). Subsection J requires riders on a roadway to ride as near to the right side as practicable, with due care passing a standing vehicle or one going the same way, and to ride in single file.
Registration with the Police Department is available to residents under § 65-2 at no fee under § 65-8, and § 65-11 says registration is not required.
Violations & Fines
Under § 65-10, a rider under 18 accused by a Police Department member is issued a summons returnable in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court of Monmouth County. A rider over 18 is summoned to a hearing in the Township Municipal Court and, on conviction, is fined not more than $25 for a first offense and not more than $50 for each subsequent offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What lights does a bicycle need in Howell Township?
Do Howell Township riders have to ride single file?
What is the fine for breaking the bicycle rules?
Do I have to register my bicycle in Howell Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Howell
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