An overview of Maryland's bicycle laws, reviewed and cited to primary sources. Use the sections below to jump to a specific rule, or the Sources block at the end for the full citation list.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with your state DOT or a licensed attorney before relying on this for any legal matter. Read full disclaimer.
Helmet rules
Required under age
Required under age 16
Applies to passengers
Yes
Standard
CPSC (16 CFR Part 1203)
Penalty
Md. Transp. § 21-1207.1 requires every rider and passenger under 16 to wear a CPSC-certified helmet on any public road, sidewalk, bicycle path, or other public right-of-way. The first offense is a warning; subsequent offenses carry a fine of up to $50, often waived on proof of helmet purchase or completion of a safety course.
Md. Transp. § 21-1207 leaves sidewalk regulation to local jurisdictions and the Maryland State Highway Administration: bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks where signs permit and where local ordinance has not prohibited it. Baltimore City prohibits sidewalk riding for anyone over 12 in business districts; Montgomery County permits it everywhere except where signed; Ocean City bans it on the boardwalk between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. in summer.
Md. Transp. § 21-1202 makes a person riding a bicycle subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, and Maryland's DUI statute (Md. Transp. § 21-902) applies to anyone driving or attempting to drive 'any vehicle' while under the influence. Maryland courts have applied DUI to cyclists, with penalties identical to motor-vehicle DUI — fines up to $1,000, possible jail time, and points on a driver's licence even though no motor vehicle was involved.
Lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from at least 500 feet to the front, required from a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise.
Rear requirement
Rear reflector or light
Rear spec
Red reflector on the rear visible from all distances from 600 feet to 100 feet when directly in front of lawful lower-beam headlamps, or a red rear lamp visible from 600 feet in lieu of the reflector.
Two abreast permitted on the roadway when not impeding the normal and reasonable flow of traffic; single file required on roadways where the lane is too narrow to share with an overtaking vehicle.
Bicycles are prohibited on Maryland Interstate highways and on other controlled-access highways designated by the State Highway Administration. The Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95), I-70, I-83, and I-97 are all closed to bicycles. Conventional US and state routes (US-1, US-40, MD-355) remain open.