CVC 21200(a)Eligible for written declaration

Bicycle Traffic Law Violation

A person riding a bicycle on a highway has the rights of, and is subject to the provisions that apply to, the driver of a vehicle.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: check your notice or your court's bail scheduleDMV Points: None

This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.

What is a Bicycle Traffic Law Violation ticket?

CVC 21200(a)(1) says a person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including the provisions on driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and by Division 10, Section 27400, Division 16.7, Division 17, and Division 18 of the Vehicle Code, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application. Under (a)(2), a person operating a bicycle on a Class I bikeway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle under Section 20001, with the same exception.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) (1) A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and by Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000), Section 27400, Division 16.7 (commencing with Section 39000), Division 17 (commencing with Section 40000.1), and Division 18 (commencing with Section 42000), except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application. (2) A person operating a bicycle on a Class I bikeway, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle pursuant to Section 20001, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway
2You did not follow a provision that applies to the driver of a vehicle

Arguments Commonly Raised for Bicycle Traffic Law Violation

General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.

Where you were riding

CVC 21200(a)(1) covers riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway. Describe where you were riding.

Provisions that cannot apply

The section excepts provisions which by their very nature can have no application to a bicycle rider. If the rule on your citation is one of those, explain why from the rule's own words.

The facts under the rule

Describe what you did under the rule your citation names, for example where you stopped or what the signal showed.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Missing the response date on your notice
✗Not noting which rule your citation says you broke

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21200(a) — Bicycle Traffic Law Violation. A person riding a bicycle on a highway has the rights of, and is subject to the provisions that apply to, the driver of a vehicle.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21200(a). It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Traffic Law Violation

Do bicycle riders have to follow the rules for drivers?▼

CVC 21200(a)(1) says a person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle under that division, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.

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Related Violations

CVC 21201(a)CVC 21202(a)CVC 21212(a)