Watch out, cyclists! If you believe riding a bicycle automatically exempts you from traffic penalties, think again. Depending on local traffic laws, cyclists may also receive citations for certain violations. Therefore, if you want to stay on the right side of the law and avoid unnecessary costs, keep reading to find out when traffic fines can apply to cyclists.
If you are passionate about cycling, chances are you have heard that cyclists can only receive verbal warnings instead of traffic fines. In many states and countries, this belief is quite common.
Nevertheless, traffic regulations differ from one jurisdiction to another. For this reason, the rules that apply in your hometown may not be the same elsewhere. Before riding in another state or country, make sure you understand the local traffic laws to avoid unexpected penalties.
For example, in Mexico City, cyclists generally do not face financial penalties for traffic violations. Rather, the authorities may issue a verbal warning as the primary enforcement measure.
However, the absence of monetary fines does not exempt cyclists from following traffic laws. Riding on sidewalks, traveling against the flow of traffic, or cycling at excessive speeds in pedestrian areas increases the risk of collisions. Moreover, if those actions result in injuries, they may lead to legal liability, regardless of whether a traffic fine applies.
On the other hand, in San Luis Potosí, despite also being part of Mexico, cyclists can receive monetary fines for committing certain traffic violations. Below, we explain the offenses that may result in a financial penalty.
Cyclist Traffic Fines: How Much Do They Cost?
Before continuing, keep in mind that the fines for cyclists and the costs discussed in this article are specific to San Luis Potosí. However, this does not mean that these violations are permitted in cities or states where penalties are not currently enforced.
In total, 11 infrastructures that the traffic regulations of the organization considers, a few if we contemplate that the catalog has a total of 224 infringements in general.
Likewise, except for one of these offenses, the other 10 can be settled through the participation in education and road culture programs.
Fines and Penalties
- When riding, if another cyclist is in front of you, you must ride in single file. Riding side by side with one or more cyclists is prohibited and may result in a fine of MXN 542.85 (approximately USD 31.23).
- Also, avoid riding in lanes designated for the continuous flow of motor vehicle traffic, as doing so may result in the same MXN 542.85 (approximately USD 31.23) fine.
- Another violation that carries a fine of MXN 542.85 (approximately USD 31.23) is riding outside the designated cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes, when they are available along your route.
Fines of MXN $542.85 (Approximately USD 31.23)
- The following traffic violations also carry a fine of MXN 542.85 (approximately USD 31.23).
- Cyclists must exercise caution when turning right or continuing straight if a motor vehicle is approaching from the left. Failing to do so may result in a fine.
- Carrying another person or transporting a load that obstructs your vision, affects your balance, or interferes with safe riding is also prohibited and may lead to a ticket.
- Although it was once a common practice, holding onto a moving vehicle while riding is prohibited. Besides the monetary penalty, this behavior can lead to serious or even fatal crashes.
- Another violation that carries a fine of MXN 542.85 (approximately USD 31.23) is transporting bicycles on a vehicle without properly securing them. As you can see, you don’t even have to be riding a bicycle to receive a ticket, so be sure to follow this rule.
- It is also important to note that carrying another person on the same bicycle is prohibited unless the bicycle is specifically designed to transport more than one rider. Otherwise, the fine is MXN 217.14 (approximately USD 12.50).
- One of the most common—and potentially dangerous—violations is riding on sidewalks or in areas reserved exclusively for pedestrians. This offense carries a fine of MXN 128.11 (approximately USD 7.37).
The Highest and Lowest Traffic Fines for Cyclists
As you’ve seen, the fines covered so far range from MXN 120 (approximately USD 6.90) to less than MXN 1,000 (approximately USD 57.52). However, there is one penalty that exceeds this range and another that falls below it. Here they are:
The lowest fine is issued for riding outside the right-hand side of the roadway. This violation carries a fine of MXN 108.57 (approximately USD 6.24).
On the other hand, the highest fine for cyclists is MXN 1,085.70 (approximately USD 62.45). This penalty applies to cyclists who fail to stop when a public transportation vehicle is boarding or dropping off passengers.
So far, we have covered the 11 traffic violations that carry monetary fines. However, as mentioned earlier, only one of these penalties cannot be waived through participation in road safety education programs. Can you guess which one—and why?
It may seem that this fine is neither the highest nor the lowest one. The sanction we are referring to applies to cyclists who ride on sidewalks or in pedestrian-only areas.
This is because, in this case, and according to Article 210 of the Traffic Regulations, it is considered a serious offense “because these actions harm the common interest of society and, in specific cases, may endanger people’s lives, safety, health, well-being, integrity, civic values, and property.
Now that you know, avoid these fines whenever you ride your bike. Your wallet will thank you, but more importantly, you will help prevent accidents and protect yourself and others from injuries.
