Bicycle Stop as Yield Arrives in DC

On Dec 21, 2022, some parts of the Safe Streets Amendment Act of 2022 became official law in DC, bringing new rights and responsibilities for people riding bikes, e-bikes, scooters and personal mobility devices. Here is what you need to know.

All of the new allowances below apply to a “rider” which the DC law § 50–2201.02.14A now defines as a “person riding a bicycle, motorized bicycle, e-bicycle, electric mobility device, or other personal mobility device. The term “rider” does not include a person operating a motor-driven cycle or motorcycle.”

Bicycle Stop as Yield

Sometimes called the Delaware Yield or the Bicycle Safety Stop, bicycle stop as yield is now allowed in Washington, DC. Simply put, a person riding a bike, e-bike or scooter may treat a stop sign as a yield sign. They may proceed through an intersection controlled by a stop sign without fully stopping if, and only if, they slow down, look for hazards, and determine that no other vehicles, road users, or pedestrians have the right of way at the intersection. 

Stop as yield allows a person on a bike or scooter to maintain some momentum and maneuverability, reduce the time spent in the intersection and minimize exposure to crash risks. DC joins 9 states (as of 2023) that allow bicycle stop as yield in the US. For more on the safety benefits of Stop as Yield, see this fact sheet from NHTSA.

The new DC law lays out the following requirements for stop as yield:

“A rider approaching a stop sign may go straight through the intersection or make a turn without stopping; provided, that the rider: 

(1) Is traveling at an appropriate speed to reasonably assess and avoid hazards; 

(2) Determines there is no immediate hazard; and 

(3) Yields the right-of-way to pedestrians and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.” DC Code § 50–2201.04d.(a)

People riding bikes and scooters often have much better situational awareness than people in cars, so we are well-suited for this new option. But you should always approach an intersection with caution and be ready to fully stop at the stop sign before the stop bar. Trees, fences, vehicles or road geometry may block your ability to see other road users or hazards. Be sure to look left, right, straight, and left again at the road and sidewalks. Use caution around road work or people directing traffic. 

Remember that stop as yield only applies when no other road users have the right of way. In all other cases, the law, drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians, will expect you to fully stop, then proceed only when it is your turn.

Bicycle Right Turn on Red

Even as the new law commits DC to prohibit vehicle right turn on red signals by 2025, it clarifies that people riding bikes, e-bikes, and scooters are permitted to turn right on a red signal under certain conditions.

“A rider approaching a steady red traffic control signal may make a right turn, provided that the rider: 

(1) Makes a complete stop;

(2) Determines there is no immediate hazard; and

(3) Yields the right-of-way to pedestrians and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. ” DC Code § 50–2201.04d.(c)

As with stop as yield, caution and situational awareness are essential. A bicyclist must always first fully stop before the stop line. You are always permitted to stop and wait for the green light, if you prefer.

Bicyclists May Use Leading Pedestrian Interval

Since 2013, people on bikes in DC have been permitted to follow the walk signal to cross a street, including during the “leading pedestrian interval” when the walk signal activates a few seconds before the green light to give pedestrians a head start and increased visibility.

The new law makes minor changes to clarify the existing law and now reads:

“A rider may follow the pedestrian traffic control signal, including a leading pedestrian interval, for the rider’s direction of travel.” DC Code § 50–2201.04d.(d)

Bicycle Red Light as Stop Where Signed

The law also sets up the future option to allow bicyclists to treat a red light as a stop sign at specific intersections where signage is posted to expressly permit it. DDOT has not shared any plans to allow red light as stop at any intersections or defined criteria under which this would be permitted. A less restrictive red light as stop provision was included in an early draft of the bill, but changed in the final law in response to concerns raised by DDOT and others during the bill’s hearing.

“A rider approaching a steady red traffic control signal may go straight through the intersection or make a left turn; provided, that DDOT has posted signage expressly permitting such movements at that intersection, and that the rider: 

(1) Makes a complete stop; 

(2) Determines there is no immediate hazard; and 

(3) Yields the right-of-way to pedestrians and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.” DC Code § 50–2201.04d.(b)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Where does the new bicycle stop as yield law apply?

A: The bicycle stop as yield rule applies to public streets and trails within Washington, DC, but not necessarily on federally controlled streets, trails or land (eg. land managed by the National Park Service, US Capitol Grounds or military). Applicability of local and state laws on federal land is complicated and we are seeking clarity. About 18% of land in DC is owned and controlled by the federal government.

Q: Does the stop as yield rule allow people on bikes to “blow” through a stop sign?

A: No. A person riding a bike, e-bike, or scooter must be “traveling at an appropriate speed to reasonably assess and avoid hazards” and “yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.” The law does not allow people on bikes to ignore traffic conditions or other users at the intersection.

Q: Does this new law allow drivers or motorcycle riders to treat stop signs as yield signs?

A: No, this new traffic rule only applies to people riding bikes, electric bikes, or scooters. Specifically, the law applies to what it defines as a “rider” or a “person riding a bicycle, motorized bicycle, e-bicycle, electric mobility device, or other personal mobility device. The term “rider” does not include a person operating a motor-driven cycle or motorcycle,” DC Code § 50–2201.02.14A

Q: Where can I learn about other DC laws and regulations for bicycling in DC?

A: See our DC Bike Law Guide here. Note that the online and print versions of this guide were last updated in 2022 and do not yet reflect the above law or recent changes to e-bike regulations. Updates coming soon.