Can a Greensboro traffic lawyer assist you with bicycle safety? Yes, and we wish safety for both cyclist and motorist sharing the road!
North Carolina has begun to take the concept of “sharing the road” more seriously. Three new laws were introduced three years ago, and the ramifications are just now being seen in the District Courts of North Carolina.
Starting December 1, 2016, a “bicycle operated at night on a public street, public vehicular area, or public greenway must be equipped with a red rear light or the cyclist must wear a reflective vest.“ The new rear light or reflective vest requirement must be in tandem with the previous rear lamp and reflex mirror requirements. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-129(e).
Also currently in effect since October 1, 2016, drivers can pass bicycles even in no passing zones, but only if the following:
- The slower moving vehicle to be passed is a bicycle or moped;
- The slower moving vehicle is proceeding in the same direction as the faster moving vehicle;
- The driver of the fast moving vehicle either (i) provides a minimum of four feet between the fast moving vehicle and the slower moving vehicle, or (ii) completely enters the left lane of the highway; and
- The operator of the slower vehicle is not (i) making a left turn, or (ii) signaling that he intends to make a left turn
Drivers are also now responsible for any unsafe movement that causes a bicycle operator to change travel lanes or leave the road, results in a crash causing property damage or personal injury to a bicycle operator or passenger, and/or results in a crash causing property damage or more than $5,000 or serious bodily injury to a bicycle operator or passenger. Punishment can include fines from $200-$750, insurance points, and loss of license for 30 days.
If you are a motorist or bicyclist and need advice from a Greensboro Traffic Attorney contact Garrett, Walker, Aycoth and Olson today!