Utah · Handbook chapter 10 · 3 min read

Chapter 10: Sharing the road

Vulnerable road users, bicycles and e-bikes, emergency vehicles and the move over law, large trucks and the No-Zone, motorcycles and lane filtering, pedestrians, police stops, slow vehicles, street-legal ATVs and Utah equipment and towing rules.

Why this chapter matters

Utah law gives extra protection to vulnerable users: pedestrians, roadside workers, riders on animals, and people on bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, motorcycles, skateboards and wheelchairs.

Bicycles

• Bicycles are vehicles with the same rights and duties.
• Give at least 3 feet when passing. Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing unless a sign allows it.
• If a cyclist is slow, you may use a two-way left-turn lane to pass.
• Dim your lights within 500 feet of a cyclist at night, and check for cyclists before opening your door.
• Stay out of bike lanes except to reach a driveway or in an emergency.
• E-bikes: Class 1 assist to 20 mph; Classes 2 and 3 to 28 mph. No one under 16 may ride a Class 3.

Emergency vehicles

• For sirens and lights, drive at once to the right and stop until they pass.
• Stay at least 500 feet behind a fire truck answering an alarm.
• Move over law: for a stopped vehicle with hazard lights, slow down, give room and, if safe, move to a lane not next to it. A conviction means a four-hour class within 90 days or a 90-day suspension.

Large trucks

• 71 percent of fatal car-truck crashes are caused by the other vehicle.
• Blind spots extend 20 feet in front, along both sides (biggest on the right) and 200 feet behind. If you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
• A car at 55 mph stops in about 130 to 140 feet; a loaded tractor-trailer may need over 400 feet.
• Pass completely on the left, never cut in, and give turning trucks room as they swing wide.
• Size limits: 8 1/2 feet wide, 14 feet high, 45 feet for a single vehicle and 65 feet for other combinations.

Motorcycles

Give motorcycles a full lane, stay at least two seconds behind, and do not trust a flashing signal. Riders under 21 must wear helmets. Lane filtering past stopped vehicles is legal at 15 mph or less on roads posted 45 mph or less; lane splitting between moving cars is illegal.

Pedestrians

Stop for crossing pedestrians and stay stopped until they have crossed at least your half of the road. Come to a complete stop for a white cane or guide dog. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Many pedestrian crashes happen while vehicles are turning.

Police stops

Move to the right side of the road, even from the HOV lane. Park, turn off the engine, stay inside, roll down the window, keep your belt on and your hands on the wheel.

Slow vehicles

An orange and red triangle marks vehicles under 25 mph. Farm equipment drivers may not hear you. Do not honk or rev near horses. Golf carts follow bicycle rules. Street-legal ATVs may not exceed 50 mph.

Equipment and towing

Headlights must reach 350 feet (high) and 100 feet (low); horns must be heard at 200 feet. Loads extending 4 feet or more need two 12-inch flags by day or lights at night. A tow chain may be no longer than 15 feet and must carry a red flag.