When can you drive in a bike lane?
- 30 minutes after sunset or 30 minutes before sunrise
- On foggy days when visibility is low
- 200 feet before making a turn ✓
Answer: C. 200 feet before making a turn
You may drive in a bike lane when you are turning within 200 feet of the turn or intersection.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says bike lanes are for bicyclists only, with a few exceptions. One exception is turning within 200 feet of an intersection. The right-turn steps repeat that you can drive in a bike lane within 200 feet from the turn, and they add that you should check for bicyclists in your blind spots. Another section says to enter a bike lane no more than 200 feet before starting a turn and to merge safely behind a bicyclist when preparing to turn.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. 30 minutes after sunset or 30 minutes before sunrise — The handbook does not list sunset or sunrise timing as a reason to drive in a bike lane; bike lanes are for bicyclists except the stated exceptions.
- B. On foggy days when visibility is low — Fog or low visibility is not listed as an exception; the allowed reasons include parking where permitted, entering or leaving the road, and turning within 200 feet.
Remember it
Bike lanes are for bikes; a car may borrow one briefly to turn, but only within 200 feet.
Official handbook: California Driver Handbook (DL 600), Section 6: Navigating the Roads, p. 17