Rules of the road
Lesson 5 · Lanes and turns

How do you turn right across a bike lane?

Short answer

Check your mirror and over your shoulder for cyclists, yield to any cyclist in the bike lane, then turn. Never turn right across a cyclist.

Watch it play out

How to do it

  1. Signal early and check your right mirror and over your right shoulder.
  2. If a cyclist is next to you or coming up, slow down and let them pass.
  3. Where your state allows, move into the bike lane only when it is clear and only just before the turn.
  4. Turn when the bike lane is clear.

Why the rule works this way

Cyclists in the bike lane are going straight and have the right of way. They are easy to miss in your mirror.

Common mistakes

  • Passing a cyclist and then turning right in front of them.
  • Driving in the bike lane for a long distance.
State differencesSome states, like California, require you to merge into the bike lane shortly before a right turn when it is safe. Others, like Oregon, say not to move into it before the turn. Check your state handbook.

Questions people ask

Can I drive in the bike lane?

Only to turn, park where allowed, or enter a driveway, and only when no cyclist is there.