Vulnerable Road User Laws Explained

Vulnerable Road User (VRU) laws create special protections for cyclists, pedestrians, and others who face greater injury risk from vehicle collisions.

Who Are Vulnerable Road Users?

Typically includes:

• Cyclists

• Pedestrians

• Motorcyclists

• Scooter and skateboard riders

• People in wheelchairs

• Road workers

• Horse riders

What VRU Laws Do

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Enhanced Penalties Drivers who carelessly injure VRUs face:

• Higher fines ($1,000+)

• Mandatory community service

• Driver education requirements

• License suspension

• Potentially criminal charges

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Civil Impact VRU violations support:

• Negligence per se arguments

• Higher damage awards

• Punitive damages in egregious cases

States with VRU Laws

Over 30 states have some form of VRU protection:

• Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut

• Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana

• Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota

• Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina

• Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont

• Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and others

Laws vary significantly—check your state's specific provisions.

Limitations

VRU laws don't:

• Prevent all accidents

• Guarantee prosecution

• Create automatic civil liability

They're deterrents and support for civil claims, not complete protection.