Which statement about bicycle lanes is true?

• A. It is illegal to drive in a bicycle lane unless you are parking (where permitted), entering/leaving the road, or turning within 200 ft of the intersection.
• B. Bicycle lanes are always protected from traffic.
• C. Bicycle lanes never allow vehicles to enter under any circumstance.
• D. Bike lanes always require a special permit to drive in.

Answer: (A)

Bicycle lanes are spaces on the road designated for bicyclists, not general motor vehicle use. The rule being tested is knowing when a car may legally use that lane. You may not drive in a bicycle lane except for specific, limited reasons: to park where allowed, to enter or leave the roadway, or to turn within 200 feet of an intersection. These exceptions exist to keep cyclists safe and to avoid cars moving in and out of the lane in places where bikes are expected to ride.

This means the lane isn’t a place for normal driving, and you don’t need a special permit to drive in it for those limited purposes. Some bike lanes are clearly protected, but protection levels vary, and even protected lanes require you to follow the same basic rules and only use the lane for the permitted reasons.