Question:   When can I drive in a bicycle lane?

 

Answer:  A bicycle lane has a 6-inch wide white line on the left side, and often has pavement markings with the work BIKE or BIKE LANE and a arrow showing the proper direction of travel (see photo).  It may also have Bike Lane signage, a white sign with black text. 

 

According to California Vehicle Code 21209, it is never legal to drive in a bicycle lane except:

 

(1) To park where parking is permitted.

(2) To enter or leave the roadway.

(3) To prepare for a right turn within a distance of 200 feet from the intersection.

 

See http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21209.htm for more explanation.