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Howell, NJ Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified October 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?
Section 65-9(C) requires 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 when riding from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. A police-approved red rear reflector can be added in addition to the red lamp.
Do Howell Township riders have to ride single file?
Yes. Section 65-9(J) says riders on a roadway ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, with due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction, and that persons riding bicycles upon a roadway ride in single file.
What is the fine for breaking the bicycle rules?
An adult is summoned to the Township Municipal Court and, on conviction under § 65-10(B), fined not more than $25 for a first offense and not more than $50 for each subsequent offense. A rider under 18 receives a summons returnable in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court of Monmouth County.
Do I have to register my bicycle in Howell Township?
No. Section 65-11 says nothing in Chapter 65 requires registration certificates or decals for bicycles owned or operated in the Township. Residents can register at the Police Department under § 65-2, and § 65-8 says no fee is charged.

Sources & Official References

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