House Transportation Committee advances bill to add bicycle hand signals to driver manuals and tests

House Bill 1378, which would require state driver manuals and the driver test to include hand signals used by people operating bicycles, was advanced out of the House Transportation Committee on March 4, 2025.

Representative Harris, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the measure would add "additional questions and training and learning" about hand signals for turning, slowing and stopping to reflect the state's growing bicycle lanes. The sponsor asked the committee to "vote in the affirmative."

The bill drew a brief exchange about existing training. Representative Todd asked whether bicycle hand signals had once been standard in driver education. Elizabeth Stroker, legislative director for the Department of Safety, told the committee, "there are not any questions in regards to hand signals for bicyclists," and said the bill would add bicyclist hand signals to manuals and tests in the same way automobile hand signals are covered.

The clerk opened the electronic vote; the clerk later reported "21 ayes." The committee recorded the bill as approved in committee and referred it to the finance committee.

The committee recorded no amendments during the session and no formal opposition was noted on the floor record. The Department of Safety representatives present were asked by members whether the department would need to change test materials; the witness indicated the proposed changes would be added to existing materials.

House Bill 1378 now moves to the finance committee for further consideration.