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Utah House approves bill letting cyclists roll through stop signs when safe
Summary
The House passed House Bill 142 on Feb. 3, 2021, allowing cyclists to proceed through stop signs without a full stop when it is safe to do so; the bill passed 45-26 after extended debate over safety, liability and rural road impacts.
The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 3, 2021, approved House Bill 142, a measure that would allow a cyclist to proceed through a stop sign without coming to a full stop so long as there is no other traffic and the cyclist slows and yields appropriately. The bill passed on a 45-26 vote and will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
Representative Carol Moss, the bill sponsor, told the chamber the change would "allow a cyclist to proceed through an intersection without stopping at a stop line stop sign ... only if there's no other traffic, they slow down, yield the right of way to a pedestrian, or any other traffic" and said similar laws in other states have produced safety benefits. Moss argued the measure would support commuting and reduce air pollution by making cycling more practical.
Opponents raised safety and precedent concerns. Representative Casey Snider said the bill sets a "dangerous precedent" by creating exemptions for specific modes of travel and noted that heavy farm equipment faces similar stopping and restarting difficulties on rural roads. Representative Mike Schultz recounted a personal crash and said an illegally acting cyclist previously struck his wife; Schultz said his family's insurance bore costs despite the cyclist being at fault.
Supporters countered with safety, practical and enforcement points. Representative Stenquist said cyclists often have better sight lines and hearing and would act cautiously, while Representative Mike Peterson argued that trying to unclip to stop can itself be hazardous and that evidence shows safety improvements when cyclists roll through intersections safely.
On liability and enforcement questions, Representative Moss said accidents "would be investigated like any other accident" and that a cyclist who fails to yield would be liable, though she did not provide details on specific insurance requirements.
The bill drew particular attention from members representing rural districts, who emphasized narrow shoulders and farm equipment on local roads. Supporters said the intent is limited to stop signs and that cyclists would use the option only when safe.
The House closed debate after a call for the previous question and Moss delivered a summation urging colleagues to support the bill. The final vote was 45 in favor and 26 opposed; the bill will advance to the Senate for further consideration.
