Yes. State law classifies bicycles as vehicles. It means Georgia riders must follow the same traffic laws as drivers, as long as the laws apply to bicycling. Cyclists are required to stop at stop signs.
Georgia Cyclists Must Stop at Stop Signs
In Georgia, bicycles are considered vehicles in most cases where vehicle laws are concerned. It’s why riders have the same rights to the lanes as any drivers. But it also means that bicyclists must generally obey the same right-of-ways that drivers do when at stop-sign intersections.
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) goes over why bicyclists are treated the same as motorists at intersections.
40-6-291: The provisions of this chapter that apply to vehicles, but not exclusively to motor vehicles, shall apply to bicycles, except that the penalties prescribed in subsection (b) of Code Section 40-6-390,subsection (c) of Code Section 40-6-391, and subsection (a) of Code Section 40-6-393 shall not apply to persons riding bicycles.
Just like drivers, riders at a stop sign will determine when they should go by the order in which vehicles and bicycles arrive at the stop sign.
- First, all drivers and cyclists must yield to pedestrians
- Then, the first to arrive at a 4-way stop intersection proceeds first
- If two cars or bicycles arrive at the intersection at the same time, the vehicle to your right goes first
- If cyclists come to a two-way stop, they must give the right-of-way to all other drivers in the intersection or those approaching the intersection so quickly that it’s not safe for the cyclist to proceed.
- If someone goes out of order, always allow them to go through to prevent a collision
Is There a Bill to Change What Cyclists Can Do At Georgia Stop Signs?
Yes, House Bill 393 was introduced on February 11, 2025, and is still under consideration.
The bill looks to change the requirements for cyclists when they are turning. It would ask cyclists to use certain hand signals for left and right turns.
GA HB 393 would also change what’s required of cyclists at stop signs. It would allow bicyclists to proceed without stopping in some situations.
Riders at intersections with two or fewer lanes would be expected to take certain precautions:
- Cyclists would slow down at intersections and be ready to stop if necessary
- Cyclists would yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and vehicles that might create an accident hazard
- Cyclists can proceed through the intersection without stopping if no approaching traffic presents the threat of a collision.
The bill is still under review by Georgia’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as of June 2025. For now, cyclists need to stop at all stop signs.
Talk to a Gainesville Bicycle Accident Attorney Now
If you’ve been seriously injured in a traffic accident in Gainesville, Georgia, contact Weaver Law Injury Attorneys today. We’ve been serving North Georgia for more than 20 years and continue to advocate for safe trips for all cyclists and full support for accident victims.
Our Gainesville bicycle accident lawyers offer a free consultation to review your case and answer your questions. Contact us online to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation for this free case review.
And if you feel we can help you secure more for your injury, you don’t need to worry about finding the money to hire an accident lawyer. We don’t earn anything for our services unless we recover money for you. Then our fee comes out of the accident settlement check that a car insurance company must provide to you and your family.
