4 Bike Laws You May Not Know About

Cyclists are protected by—and obligated to adhere to—many laws. But while most of them mirror vehicle laws, it's easy for some rules to get lost in translation because, let's face it, bikes and automobiles aren't exactly alike.

Add to it the fact that all 50 states have different laws pertaining to cyclists, and it's easy to see how misinformation and ignorance can come into play as it pertains to the legal rights and responsibilities of cyclists.

The book Bicycling and the Law by Bob Mionske does a great job of dissecting all aspects of the subject, from legal rights, traffic stops, defective bikes, bike theft and more. The book goes through many common and uncommon instances of cycling and the law intersecting.

Here are four of the most interesting—and misunderstood—bike laws the book touches on.

More: How to Protect Your Rights as a Cyclist

Red Lights Apply to You

Cyclists, for the most part, like being treated like a vehicle in a legal sense. But you can't have it both ways.

If you approach an intersection with a red traffic light, you are required by law to come to a complete stop...just like vehicles. Some states, like Idaho, dictate that cyclists stop at a red light, and then yield to all other traffic. Many other states require that you stop at a red light and don't go anywhere until the light's green.

Of course, this brings up another issue: What if you're alone at a traffic light and it won't turn green for you? This is a common cycling complaint, and there's an answer. If the sensors can't detect your bike and trigger the light, it's considered a defective light. After sitting through one light cycle, you can proceed—yielding the right-of-way to any approaching vehicles.

More: When Good Traffic Lights Go Bad

What's a Brake?

The Uniform Vehicle Code supposedly makes it clear: "Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake...which enables its drivers to stop..."

Seems straightforward. But it's been successfully challenged.

In several instances, fixed-gear cyclists have been cited for not having brakes on their bikes. They've taken it to court, arguing that the fixed gear functions as a brake. Some have lost their case, but some have won. The controversy led Washington D.C. to amend their traffic laws to state that "a fixed gear bicycle is not required to have a separate brake, but an operator...shall be able to stop the bicycle using the pedals."

More: Brush Up on Your Bike-Braking Skills

When Nature Calls

Public urination is sometimes a necessity during your long weekend rides. But can you get in trouble for it?

It's really subjective, but the bottom line is this: Make sure you are going somewhere as private as possible. There's a difference between relieving yourself in the woods of a remote area and doing it in the middle of the street in lower Manhattan. If you take steps to make sure nobody can see you, and more importantly, that nobody would be offended by you, you'll be OK in most scenarios.

One more thing: if a cop busts you and charges you with indecent exposure, get a lawyer. That is a serious charge that can land you on the sex offenders list.

More: Dealing With Urination Problems Before a Race

BUI is a Crime (in Many States)

I knew a guy in college who would ride his bike anytime he knew he would be drinking, because he didn't want to drive his car while intoxicated. While it was great that he didn't want to drink and drive, he was still breaking the law.

Most states have concluded that people riding a bicycle have all the rights and duties of those driving a vehicle. Those "duties" include not being on the road while intoxicated.

Truth be told, states enforce these laws differently. In Oregon, biking under the influence is treated identically to driving under the influence. Other states like Utah will punish those cycling under the influence, but won't restrict driving privileges if you're convicted. California punishes biking under the influence by a fine. A few states don't consider drinking and cycling an offense at all. Washington won't punish cyclists under the influence, but do have a right to impound the bike and drive the cyclist home if he's a threat to public safety.

More: Important Safety Tips for Bike Commuters