Where on the road do I have to ride, and do traffic laws apply?
Rule- USA
- USA Triathlon
- Age-group
- Ages 15+
- Draft-illegal
- Multisport Competition Rules
- 2026 rules
- Athletes
Under sections 4.1 and 4.5:
- Obey all traffic laws unless police or licensed traffic control direct otherwise. Never cross a yellow center line (solid or dashed) unless directed to. Unintentional: warning and amend; intentional: time penalty or DSQ for endangerment.
- Ride single file on the far right (or far left if the course says so), except when passing. Riding side by side, or sitting out in the lane on your own, is a yellow card.
- Blocking that impedes or contacts another rider is a yellow card. Reckless riding or deliberately targeting another athlete is a red card (DSQ).
- In a draft-illegal race, your only contact points are feet on pedals, hands or forearms on the bars, and seat on the saddle (yellow card; DSQ if repeated).
- Ride the whole course. If you leave it, re-enter where you left. You're responsible for counting your own laps.
- Use only one bike, and keep it with all its parts. No mirrors (unless medically exempt), no fairings, and no bottles stuffed in the front of your race suit.
Added 21 Oct 2026