The Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan and ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan guide bike lane construction; Va. Code Title 46.2 sets statewide rider rules including the three-foot passing law.
Adopted in 2014 and updated through ActiveFairfax (2023), the Bicycle Master Plan identifies a 1,500-mile network of on-street lanes, buffered lanes, and shared-use paths. VDOT owns most county roads, so lane installation is coordinated through the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) under VDOT's Smart Scale and revenue-sharing programs. State law requires motorists to pass cyclists by at least three feet, prohibits dooring, and allows cyclists to ride two abreast. Motorized e-scooters and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted in bike lanes.
Motorists violating the three-foot passing rule face fines up to $250 under Va. Code 46.2-839; obstructing a bike lane is a $50 to $100 traffic infraction.
Fairfax County, VA
Fairfax County's Zoning Ordinance limits front-yard fences and walls to 4 feet on most residential lots, while side and rear yards may go up to 7 feet. Lots ...
Fairfax County, VA
Fairfax County requires a building permit from Land Development Services for any private pool, spa or hot tub with a surface area greater than 150 sq ft, cap...
Fairfax County, VA
Fairfax County does not allow detached backyard tiny homes on most residential lots. The Zoning Ordinance treats a second dwelling as an Accessory Living Uni...
Fairfax County, VA
Fairfax County treats a carport as a freestanding accessory structure under the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 112), Article 4 use rules and Article 5 dimensional...
Fairfax County, VA
Fairfax County enforces residential pool barriers under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC, 13VAC5-63), which adopts the International Swimm...
Fairfax County, VA
Fairfax County permits Accessory Living Units (ALUs) under Zoning Ordinance Section 4102.7. Interior ALUs (within the principal dwelling) may be approved by ...
See how Fairfax County's bike lane rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.