In this video, Sevenish Law answers the question: Are bicycles more like pedestrians or cars under the law? Traffic laws give bicyclists all the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. They must obey traffic signals, stay in the correct lanes and may not ride a bicycle while intoxicated. However, some special laws apply to bicyclists. Bicyclists must use hand signals to indicate turns, wear helmets when applicable and use headlights and tail lights at night or in reduced light conditions, among other things. They may not operate on the wrong side of the roadway unless there is an emergency or other practical reasons making it impossible for them not to do so. They also have the special privilege of using a bicycle-only lane in areas becoming more and more bicycle friendly. These areas may not be occupied by any motor vehicle unless needed to cross for purposes of making a legal turn or during other circumstances allowed under the law.