Bicycle Laws and Safety

• Motor vehicle laws apply to individuals on bicycles, granting them the same rights and duties as vehicle drivers, with some exceptions.
• Peace officers in uniform are exempt from certain bicycle rules during emergencies, rescue operations, or pursuing lawbreakers, excluding rules about driving under the influence.
• Peace officers must still operate bicycles safely.
• Drivers must ensure bicyclist safety by maintaining a reasonable distance: at least 3 feet at 30 mph or less, plus one additional foot per 10 mph over 30 mph.

Rules for Riding Bicycles

• Bicyclists must ride on a permanent seat.

• Bicycles cannot carry more people than designed for.

• Attaching to vehicles on roadways is prohibited.

• Carrying items that prevent keeping one hand on the handlebars is prohibited.

• Bicyclists riding abreast must not impede traffic and should stay in a single lane on laned roadways.

• Continuous hand signals are not required if the hand is needed for bike control.

• Bicyclists can pass slower vehicles in the same lane if safe and can pass stationary vehicles on the right.

• Bicyclists must stop for peace officers and allow bicycle inspection.

• Bicycles must have safe steering, brakes, tires, and equipment.

• Those under 16 must wear approved protective headgear on public ways.

• Bicyclists moving slower than traffic should stay on the right, except when unsafe or when:

  • Overtaking another vehicle
  • Preparing for a left turn
  • Proceeding straight where right turns are allowed
  • Avoiding hazards

• Bicyclists should wear reflective outerwear from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.

Electric Bicycles

• Electric bicycles have the same rights and duties as regular bicycles.
• Electric bicycles are exempt from laws regarding financial responsibility, licenses, registration, titles, off-highway vehicle regulations, and license plates.
• Electric bicycles are not considered motor vehicles for these purposes.
• Since January 1, 2020, manufacturers must attach a permanent label with the classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage in at least 9-point Arial font.
• Tampering to change the speed or engagement of an electric bicycle requires replacing the label.
• Electric bicycles must meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission equipment and manufacturing standards (16 C.F.R. section 1512).
• The motor must disengage when the rider stops pedaling or applies the brakes.
• Electric bicycles can be operated wherever bicycles are allowed, with limitations:
  • Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles can be used on bicycle or multi-use paths unless prohibited by local authorities.
  • Class 3 electric bicycles are restricted on bicycle or multi-use paths unless adjacent to highways or roadways, or unless permitted by local authorities.
• Restrictions do not apply to non-motorized trails with natural surfaces, but local authorities can regulate electric bicycle use.
• Those under 16 cannot operate a class 3 electric bicycle and those under 18 must wear a helmet while riding or as a passenger on Class 3 bicycles.
• Class 3 electric bicycles must have a speedometer.

Additional Regulations

• Clinging to vehicles is prohibited for those on motorcycles, bicycles, mopeds, and other devices.
• Selectmen or mayors can regulate sidewalks outside compact areas after notice and hearing.
• Violators of RSA 265:145 face bicycle or moped confiscation until compliance.
• Prosecutions must occur within 60 days of the offense.

Bicycle Parking

• Bicycles can be parked on sidewalks unless prohibited.
• Parked bicycles must not impede pedestrian or traffic movement.
• Bicycles cannot obstruct legally parked motor vehicles.
• Bicycles parked on a way must follow parking regulations.

Penalties

• Violations of this subdivision result in a guilty of a violation.
• The maximum fine for violating RSA 265:144, X (headgear for those under 16) is $35 per occurrence.
• The fine for violating RSA 265:143-a (safe passing distance) is $100.