The bike lane Merge within 200 feet of a right turn
You may drive in a bike lane only to park, to enter or leave the road, or to turn within 200 feet of the corner. Before a right turn, check your mirror, look over your right shoulder, merge into the bike lane behind any cyclist, and turn from there. Pass a cyclist with at least 3 feet.
CVC 21209(a) · CVC 21717 · CVC 21760 (3 feet) · CA Driver's Handbook, "Bicycle Lanes" · DMV DL 955
Can you drive in a bike lane to turn right in California?
Yes, and you must: within 200 feet of the corner, after checking for cyclists, merge into the bike lane and turn from it (CVC 21209(a), 21717).
Why this rule exists
A cyclist going straight beside you is right where you turn. Merging in behind them first means they can never be between you and the curb.
Step by step on the road
- About 200 feet before the right turn, check your mirror and signal right.
- Look over your right shoulder for a cyclist in the bike lane or coming up beside you.
- If a cyclist is there, let them go by and merge in behind them.
- Move into the bike lane no more than 200 feet before the turn, and turn from there.
- When you pass a cyclist, leave at least 3 feet. If there is not enough room, slow down and stay behind until you can pass safely.
Common mistakes
- Turning right across the bike lane from the car lane.
- Turning in front of a cyclist who is going straight.
- Moving into the bike lane at the start of the block, more than 200 feet before the turn.
- Squeezing past a cyclist with less than 3 feet of room.
On the DMV drive test
For a right turn with a bike lane, DL 955 wants you to enter the bike lane within 200 feet of the turn, only after making sure there is no bicycle traffic, and then turn. Not checking your mirror or over your shoulder before that turn is a critical driving error, and so is driving further than 200 feet in a bike lane. The DL 32 checklist puts it in one line: "Enter bicycle lane before right turn."
Based on the DMV’s Driving Test Criteria (DL 955) and its score sheet (DL 32). How the drive test works ›Questions people ask
How much room do you give a cyclist when passing in California?
At least 3 feet between any part of your car and the bike or its rider (CVC 21760(c)). If you cannot, slow down and pass only when it does not endanger them (21760(d)).
When can you drive in a bike lane in California?
Only to park where parking is allowed, to enter or leave the road, or to prepare for a turn within 200 feet of the intersection (CVC 21209(a)).
Who goes first when you turn right and a cyclist is in the bike lane?
The cyclist. Let them pass, merge into the bike lane behind them, and then turn.
Test yourself
Kees' three questions on this rule, the “Did you know?” facts and his tip come with the drive, in Voorrah! Pro.
Get Voorrah! Pro ▸