Risk Area:
Bike/Helmet
Target population:
All Ages
Law/Regulation Code:
41-6a-804; 41-6a-1102; 41-6a-1106; 41-6a-1702
Law Summary:
41-6a-804. Turning or changing lanes — Safety — Signals — Stopping or sudden decrease in speed — Signal flashing — Where prohibited.
(1) (a) A person may not turn a vehicle or move right or left on a roadway or change lanes until:
(i) the movement can be made with reasonable safety; and
(ii) an appropriate signal has been given as provided under this section.
(b) A signal of intention to turn right or left or to change lanes shall be given continuously for at least the last two seconds preceding the beginning of the movement.
(2) A person may not stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal to the operator of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give a signal.
(3) (a) A stop or turn signal when required shall be given either by the hand and arm or by signal lamps.
(b) If hand and arm signals are used, a person operating a vehicle shall give the required hand and arm signals from the left side of the vehicle as follows:
(i) left turn: hand and arm extended horizontally;
(ii) right turn: hand and arm extended upward; and
(iii) stop or decrease speed: hand and arm extended downward.
(c) (i) A person operating a bicycle or device propelled by human power may give the required hand and arm signals for a right turn by extending the right hand and arm horizontally to the right.
(ii) This Subsection (3)(c) is an exception to the provision of Subsection (3)(b)(ii).
(4) A person required to make a signal under this section may not flash a signal:
(a) on one side only on a disabled vehicle;
(b) as a courtesy or “do pass” to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear; or
(c) on one side only of a parked vehicle.
Amended by Chapter 52, 2007 General Session
41-6a-1102. Bicycle and device propelled by human power and moped riders subject to chapter — Exception.
(1) Except as provided under Subsection (2) or as otherwise specified under this part, a person operating a bicycle, a vehicle or device propelled by human power, or a moped has all the rights and is subject to the provisions of this chapter applicable to the operator of any other vehicle.
(2) A person operating a nonmotorized bicycle or a vehicle or device propelled by human power is not subject to the penalties related to operator licenses under alcohol and drug-related traffic offenses.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 2, 2005 General Session
41-6a-1106. Bicycles and human powered vehicle or device to yield right-of-way to pedestrians on sidewalks, paths, or trails — Uses prohibited — Negligent collision prohibited — Speed restrictions — Rights and duties same as pedestrians.
(1) A person operating a bicycle or a vehicle or device propelled by human power shall:
(a) yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian; and
(b) give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
(2) A person may not operate a bicycle or a vehicle or device propelled by human power on a sidewalk, path, or trail, or across a roadway in a crosswalk, where prohibited by a traffic-control device or ordinance.
(3) A person may not operate a bicycle or a vehicle or device propelled by human power in a negligent manner so as to collide with a:
(a) pedestrian; or
(b) person operating a:
(i) bicycle; or
(ii) vehicle or device propelled by human power.
(4) A person operating a bicycle or a vehicle or device propelled by human power on a sidewalk, path, or trail, or across a driveway, or across a roadway on a crosswalk may not operate at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions, giving regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.
(5) Except as provided under Subsections (1) and (4), a person operating a bicycle or a vehicle or device propelled by human power on a sidewalk, path, or trail, or across a roadway on a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 2, 2005 General Session
41-6a-1702. Sidewalk — Driving prohibited — Exception.
(1) Except for a bicycle or device propelled by human power, a person may not operate a vehicle on a sidewalk or sidewalk area.
(2) The provisions of Subsection (1) do not apply on a driveway.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 2, 2005 General Session