Legal Definitions - highway

A highway is a comprehensive legal term for any public route or thoroughfare that is open for general use by the public. This encompasses not only the main travel lanes for vehicles but also all associated infrastructure designed to facilitate movement, such as bridges, tunnels, overpasses, underpasses, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, traffic signs, guardrails, and the entire surrounding right-of-way. The defining features are that it is maintained by a public authority and accessible to anyone without restriction.

• Example 1: The Main Street of a small town.

  Illustration: Imagine a bustling Main Street in a suburban community, complete with its paved surface for cars, designated parking areas, sidewalks on both sides for pedestrians, and traffic lights at intersections. This entire stretch, including the pedestrian walkways and traffic control devices, is considered a highway because it is maintained by the municipal government and is freely accessible to all members of the public, whether they are driving, walking, or cycling.

• Example 2: A multi-lane interstate freeway connecting major cities.

  Illustration: Consider a segment of Interstate 95 that includes several lanes of traffic, on-ramps and off-ramps, a large concrete bridge spanning a valley, and overhead electronic signs displaying real-time traffic information. This entire corridor, including the bridge structure and the signage system, is legally defined as a highway. It is publicly funded, maintained by state and federal agencies, and open for unrestricted use by the traveling public to connect distant locations.

• Example 3: A dedicated bicycle path running alongside a river in a metropolitan area.

  Illustration: Picture a paved path specifically designed for bicycles and pedestrians that winds along a riverfront, connecting several city parks and residential areas. Even though no motor vehicles are permitted on this path, it qualifies as a highway. This is because it is a publicly accessible and maintained facility, often managed by a city or county parks department, serving non-motorized travel and forming an integral part of the broader public transportation network.