Safe Passing Distance Laws for Cyclists

Safe passing laws require vehicles to maintain minimum distance when overtaking cyclists. These laws protect cyclists and establish liability when violated.

The Standard: 3 Feet

The majority of states require at least 3 feet of 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, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and DC.

States with Greater Requirements

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4 Feet

• New Jersey

• Pennsylvania

• North Carolina

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5 Feet (at higher speeds)

• New Mexico (when passing at 35+ mph)

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Variable Requirements

• Some states increase distance based on speed

• Some require "safe distance" without specifying feet

How Safe Passing Laws Help Your Case

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Proving Violation If a driver passes too closely and causes an accident:

• Traffic code violation establishes negligence

• May be negligence per se

• Physical evidence (mirror strikes, sideswipes) proves close pass

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Evidence That Helps

• Witness testimony

• Camera footage

• Vehicle damage patterns

• Expert accident reconstruction

Enforcement Challenges

Despite these laws:

• Rarely enforced

• Difficult to prove exact distance

• Many drivers unaware of requirements

• Police often don't witness violations