Safe Passing Laws for Cyclists by State

Safe passing laws require vehicles to maintain a minimum distance when passing cyclists. Understanding these laws is crucial for both safety and establishing liability after an accident.

3-Foot Passing States

The majority of states require a minimum 3-foot (36-inch) passing distance:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, DC

States with Greater Requirements

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4 Feet

• New Jersey

• Pennsylvania

• North Carolina

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5 Feet

• New Mexico (when speed >35mph)

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"Safe Distance" (Not Specified) Some states require a "safe distance" without specifying feet:

• Iowa

• Massachusetts

• Oregon (3ft minimum recommended)

How Safe Passing Laws Help Your Case

When a driver passes too closely and causes an accident:

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Negligence Per Se Violating the safe passing law is automatic negligence in many states.

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Clear Liability Traffic code violation strongly supports your case.

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Supporting Evidence

• Witness testimony on close pass

• Damage pattern on bike

• Camera footage

Problems with Safe Passing Laws

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Enforcement

• Rarely enforced

• Difficult to prove exact distance

• Police often don't witness violations

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Driver Awareness

• Many drivers don't know the law

• Underestimate 3 feet

• Impatient on narrow roads