San Jose's Better Bikeways San Jose program builds protected bike lanes downtown, while California Vehicle Code §21208 and SJMC Title 11 govern cyclist lane use, motor-vehicle blocking of bike lanes, and right-of-way at intersections and driveways.
California Vehicle Code §21208 requires cyclists traveling slower than traffic to use a designated Class II bike lane when present, with exceptions for passing, turning, avoiding hazards, or approaching right-turn intersections. CVC §21209 prohibits motor vehicles from driving in or blocking a bike lane except briefly to enter parking, exit a driveway, or make a right turn. SJMC Title 11 and the Department of Transportation's Better Bikeways San Jose program build Class IV protected lanes on Fountain Alley, San Fernando, 3rd/4th Streets, and across downtown. Class III sharrows mark shared streets. Bicycle Master Plan implements the city's Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths.
Drivers blocking or driving in bike lanes face CVC base fines of $238 plus assessments. Cyclists are not required to use lanes when unsafe, but ignoring a usable Class II lane while obstructing traffic can result in citations.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Jose, CA
San Jose Municipal Code Title 7 (Animal Care and Control) requires dogs in public places, city parks, and trails to be on a leash no longer than six feet, re...
San Jose, CA
San Jose imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The sign code (SJMC Ch...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, and motor noise are not restricted by the munic...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting. The general nuisance provisions in SJMC Title 6 and th...
San Jose, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in San Jose typically requires multiple permits: a building permit for any structural roof or counter exceeding the patio cover ex...
San Jose, CA
San Jose does not have a dedicated ordinance for backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Use is governed by the multifamily balcony restriction...
See how San Jose'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.