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Official United States Bicycle Lane Ahead Road Sign

Federal MUTCD Specifications

Standard Code
R3-16
Sign Category
Regulatory
Shape
Vertical Rectangle
Color Scheme
White with Bicycle Symbol & 'LANE AHEAD' Text

Regulatory Road Sign (R3-16)

Bicycle Lane Ahead Sign Meaning & Driving Rules

Informs drivers that a dedicated on-street bicycle lane is beginning ahead.

Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol

Do not drive in the bike lane. Always check your right mirror and blind spot for cyclists before turning.

Detailed Overview & Purpose

The Bicycle Lane Ahead sign (R3-16) alerts motorists to a newly beginning bike lane on the right edge of the street. Motor vehicles must not drive in, park in, or block designated bicycle lanes.

Key Standard & Origin: Motorists must yield to all cyclists in the bike lane before merging right to make a turn.

Where You'll Find This Sign

Urban streets and suburban corridors where bike lanes commence.

Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid

Treating the bike lane as a right-turn lane before reaching the designated dashed merge zone.

How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test

Tests bicycle right-of-way and bike lane driving restrictions.

Legal Penalties and Moving Violations

Driving or parking in a bicycle lane carries moving violation citations.

DMV Knowledge Check

When you encounter the official Bicycle Lane Ahead (R3-16) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?

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