When is it permissible to drive in a bike lane?

Driving in a bike lane is permissible when you are within 200 feet of a cross street where you plan to turn right. This regulation is designed to ensure that cyclists can safely use the bike lanes without interference from vehicles that are preparing to turn. By allowing vehicles to temporarily enter the bike lane for the purpose of making a right turn, it promotes smoother traffic flow while still prioritizing the safety of cyclists.

This rule aims to minimize accidents and conflicts between motorists and bicyclists. Drivers must exercise caution and watch for cyclists before entering the bike lane, ensuring that they are not disrupting the path of those using the lane for travel.

In contrast, driving in a bike lane whenever one wants does not align with traffic safety principles and can endanger cyclists. Similarly, while turning left might necessitate crossing a bike lane, it does not provide justification for driving in it unless specifically required for the turn. Driving in a bike lane only during certain hours would apply under distinct regulations but does not capture the standard practice of making a right turn near an intersection.