GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

S	1 

SENATE BILL 902

Short Title:  Bicycle Signals.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Senator Gulley.
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Referred to:  Transportation.
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April 19, 1993

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO CLARIFY THE LAWS CONCERNING BICYCLE HAND SIGNALS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  G.S. 20-154(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b)	The signal herein required shall be given by means of the hand and arm in the manner herein specified, or by any mechanical or electrical signal device approved by the Division, except that when a vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent the hand and arm signal from being visible, both to the front and rear, the signal shall be given by a device of a type which has been approved by the Division.
Whenever the signal is given the driver shall indicate his intention to start, stop, or turn by extending the hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle as hereinafter set forth.
Left turn – hand and arm horizontal, forefinger pointing.
Right turn – hand and arm pointed upward.
Stop – hand and arm pointed downward.
All hand and arm signals shall be given from the left side of the  vehicle and all signals shall be maintained or given continuously for  the last 100 feet traveled prior to stopping or making a turn. Provided, that in all areas where the speed limit is 45 miles per hour or higher and the operator intends to turn from a direct line of travel, a signal of intention to turn from a direct line of travel shall be given continuously during the last 200 feet traveled before turning.
A person operating a bicycle may give a right turn signal by extending the right hand and arm horizontally, forefinger pointing, from and beyond the right side of the bicycle.
Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and required signal shall be given by, a signal lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab or load of such motor vehicle exceeds 24 inches, or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load thereof exceeds 14 feet. The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle, also to any combination of vehicles except combinations operated by farmers in hauling farm products."
Sec. 2.  This act is effective upon ratification.