Los Angeles, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LAMC § 85.09
- Enforcing agency
- LA Department of Transportation
- Effective date
- January 27, 1991 (Ord. 166,526)
- Core rule
- Ride only as signs/striping direct
- Related section
- LAMC § 85.07 (skating/skateboarding signage)
Summary
Los Angeles authorizes its Department of Transportation to establish bicycle lanes separated from vehicular lanes and requires cyclists to ride within them as directed by posted signs, striping, and pavement markings. LAMC § 85.09 makes it unlawful to ride a bicycle in a bike lane in any manner other than as the traffic control devices direct.
The Department is hereby authorized to determine and establish bicycle lanes at designated locations separated from vehicular lanes upon roadways and sidewalks not part of a state highway... When such determination has been made, the Department is authorized to install, at each designated location, appropriate signs, striping, pavement markings or other traffic control devices as required by state law and as otherwise necessary to warn, guide and direct bicycle and vehicular traffic for public safety purposes. No person shall ride a bicycle on any bicycle lane other than as directed by signs, striping, pavement markings or other traffic control devices, or as otherwise required by state or local law.
Full Breakdown
09, the Department of Transportation (LADOT) is authorized to determine and establish bicycle lanes at designated locations on roadways and sidewalks that are not part of a state highway (as defined by Streets and Highways Code § 24) or a county highway established under Article 5, Chapter IX, Division 2 of the Streets and Highways Code. Once LADOT designates a location for a bicycle lane, it may install signs, striping, pavement markings, or other traffic control devices required by state law or otherwise necessary to warn, guide, and direct both bicycle and vehicular traffic for public safety.
The operative prohibition is in subsection (b): no person shall ride a bicycle on any bicycle lane other than as directed by the signs, striping, pavement markings, or other traffic control devices posted there, or as otherwise required by state or local law. This means the specific configuration of each bike lane, including any directional arrows, lane-change restrictions, or buffered separations, is what actually governs conduct within it, not a single citywide rule. The section was added by Ordinance No. 07, which similarly authorizes LADOT to post regulatory signage governing roller-skating, skateboarding, and bicycling on sidewalks and roadways. 09(b).
Violations & Fines
Riding a bicycle within a designated bike lane contrary to posted signs, striping, or pavement markings violates LAMC § 85.09(b) and is enforceable as a municipal infraction; LADOT-installed traffic control devices at each location set the specific rule being enforced (for example, required merge points, prohibited crossings, or exit locations). Vehicles or pedestrians obstructing a marked bicycle lane are addressed separately under state Vehicle Code provisions governing bicycle lane use and stopping restrictions, which LAMC § 85.09 explicitly preserves by referencing compliance with state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride outside a marked bike lane's striping in Los Angeles?
Who decides where bike lanes go in Los Angeles?
Does this section cover skateboarding too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California mobility & curb rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Bike Lane Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle bike lane rules.