| Alabama |
Ala. Code § 32-5A-82
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This law defines, for purposes of a vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle, a safe distance to mean not less than three feet on a roadway that has a marked bicycle lane or a roadway without a marked bicycle lane if the roadway has a marked speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less and the roadway does not have a double yellow line separating cars from oncoming traffic indicating a no-passing zone. This shall only apply when a cyclist is riding within two feet of the right shoulder of the roadway.
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| Alaska |
None
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| Arizona |
A.R.S. § 28-735
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Exercise due care by leaving a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three (3) feet until the motor vehicle is safely past the overtaken bicycle.
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| Arkansas |
A.C.A. § 27-51-311
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Exercise due care and pass to the left at a safe distance of not less than three (3) feet and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.
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| California |
Cal Veh. Code § 21760
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A driver of a motor vehicle shall not overtake or pass a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a highway at a distance of less than three feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator. The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle shall do so at a safe distance that does not interfere with the safe operation of the overtaken bicycle, having due regard for the size and speed of the motor vehicle and the bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and the surface and width of the highway.
If another lane of traffic proceeding in the same direction is available, the driver must make a lane change into another available lane with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, if practicable and not prohibited by law, before overtaking or passing the bicycle.
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| Colorado |
C.R.S. 42-4-1002
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Allow the bicyclist at least a three (3) foot separation between the right side of the driver's vehicle, including all mirrors or other projections, and the left side of the bicyclist at all times.
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| Connecticut |
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-232
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A "safe distance" means not less than three (3) feet when the driver of a vehicle overtakes and passes a person riding a bicycle.
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| Delaware |
21 Del. C. § 4116
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On any roadway where the travel lane is too narrow for an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side-by-side within the lane with the overtaken bicycle, the driver of the overtaking vehicle shall, yielding the right-of-way and proceeding with caution, move completely into the lane to the left before passing. On any roadway where the travel lane is wide enough for an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side-by-side within the lane with the bicycle, the driver of the overtaking vehicle shall reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave a reasonable and prudent distance by providing a minimum of three feet of clearance while passing such bicyclist.
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| District of Columbia |
Rule 18-2202.10
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Exercise due care by leaving a safe distance, but in no case less than three (3) feet, when overtaking and passing a bicycle.
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| Florida |
Fla. Stat. § 316.083
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Must pass the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than three (3) feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle.
If such a movement cannot be safely accomplished, the motorist must remain at a safe distance behind the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle or electric bicycle until the driver can safely pass at a distance of not less than 3 feet and must safely clear the overtaken bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle or electric bicycle. A driver may safely and briefly drive to the left of the center of the roadway to safely pass a bicyclist.
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| Georgia |
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-56
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Leave a safe distance between such vehicle and the bicycle and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle. The term "safe distance" means not less than three (3) feet.
A motorist must make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the bicycle if possible in the existing road and traffic conditions. If a lane change would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, the motorist must reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be at least ten miles per hour less than the posted speed limit or 25 miles per hour, whichever is more, and proceed around the bicycle with at least three feet between such vehicle and the bicycle at all times. A violation of this shall be a misdemeanor punished by a fine of not more than $250.00.
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| Guam |
None
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| Hawaii |
Hawaii Rev. Stat §291C-43
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The driver of a vehicle passing or overtaking a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction shall allow at least three feet of separation between the right side of the driver's vehicle, including all mirrors or other protuberances, and the left side of the bicyclist, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.
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| Idaho |
None
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| Illinois |
625 ILCS 5/11-703
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Leave a safe distance, but not less than three (3) feet, when passing the bicycle or individual and shall maintain that distance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or individual. A driver may pass a bicyclist in a no-passing zone, provided: the bicyclist is traveling at less than half the posted speed; the driver is able to pass without exceeding the speed limit and there is sufficient distance to the left of the centerline for the motor vehicle to overtake and pass the bicyclist.
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| Indiana |
None
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| Iowa |
None
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| Kansas |
K.S.A. § 8-1516
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Pass to the left at a distance of not less than three (3) feet and do not drive to the right side of the roadway until the vehicle is safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.
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| Kentucky |
K.R.S. 189.340
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Vehicles overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall: 1. If there is more than one lane for traffic proceeding in the same direction, move the vehicle to the immediate left, if the lane is available and moving in the lane is reasonably safe; or 2. If there is only one lane for traffic proceeding in the same direction, pass to the left of the bicycle at a distance of not less than three feet between any portion of the vehicle and the bicycle and maintain that distance until safely past the overtaken bicycle. If space on the roadway is not available to have a minimum distance of three feet between the vehicle and the bicycle, then the driver of the passing vehicle shall use reasonable caution in passing the bicyclist. The driver of a motor vehicle may drive to the left of the center of a roadway, including when a no-passing zone is marked, to pass a person operating a bicycle only if the roadway to the left of the center is unobstructed for a sufficient distance to permit the driver to pass the person operating the bicycle safely and avoid interference with oncoming traffic.
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| Louisiana |
La. R.S. 32:76.1
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Pass with not less than three (3) feet and maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.
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| Maine |
29-A M.R.S. § 2070
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Pass with a distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three (3) feet.
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| Maryland |
Md. TRANSPORTATION Code Ann. § 21-1209 and §21-307 |
When overtaking a bicycle, pass safely at a distance of not less than 3 feet. A motorist may pass on the left side of the roadway in a no-passing zone to make the minimum adjustment necessary to overtake and pass at a safe distance a bicycle traveling in the same direction. |
| Massachusetts |
ALM GL ch. 89, § 2
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If it is not possible to overtake a bicycle or other vehicle at a safe distance in the same lane, the overtaking vehicle shall use all or part of an adjacent lane if it is safe to do so or wait for a safe opportunity to overtake.
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| Michigan |
Mich. Stat. Ann §257.636
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The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at a safe distance of at least 3 feet to the left of that bicycle or, if it is impracticable to pass the bicycle at a distance of 3 feet to the left, at a safe distance to the left of that bicycle at a safe speed, and when safely clear of the overtaken bicycle shall take up a position as near the right-hand edge of the main traveled portion of the highway as is practicable.
Notwithstanding section 640, if it is safe to do so, the driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction may overtake and pass the bicycle in a no-passing zone.
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| Minnesota |
Minn. Stat. § 169.18
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Leave a safe distance but in no case less than three (3) feet clearance, when passing a bicycle or individual and maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or individual.
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| Mississippi |
Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-1309
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Leave a safe distance of not less than three (3) feet between the vehicle and the bicyclist and maintain such clearance until safely past the bicycle.
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| Missouri |
§ 300.411 R.S.Mo
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Leave a safe distance when passing the bicycle, and maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.
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| Montana |
Mont. Code Anno., § 61-8-320
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Overtake and pass a person riding a bicycle only when the operator of the motor vehicle can do so safely without endangering the person riding the bicycle.
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| Nebraska |
Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6, 133
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The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device proceeding in the same direction shall exercise due care, which shall include, but not be limited to, leaving a safe distance of no less than three feet clearance, when applicable, when passing a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device.
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Nevada
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Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 484B.270
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If there is more than one lane for traffic proceeding in the same direction, the motorist must move the vehicle to the lane to the immediate left, if the lane is available and moving into the lane is reasonably safe. Otherwise, a motorist must pass to the left with no less than three (3) feet between any portion of the vehicle and the bicycle.
The law also authorizes a driver, if it is safe, to pass to the left of the center of the highway and/or in a no-passing zone.
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| New Hampshire |
RSA 265:143-a
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Leave a reasonable and prudent distance between the vehicle and the bicycle. The distance shall be presumed to be reasonable and prudent if it is at least three (3) feet when the vehicle is traveling at 30 miles per hour or less, with one additional foot of clearance required for every 10 miles per hour above 30 miles per hour.
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| New Jersey |
N.J. Laws, Title 39 |
The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a pedestrian, bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, low-speed electric scooter, or any other lawful personal conveyance shall approach with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows: (1) when possible under existing safety and traffic conditions, make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the pedestrian or personal conveyance; (2) if a lane change cannot be made, leave a reasonable and safe distance of not less than four feet while approaching the pedestrian or personal conveyance and maintain a distance of at least four feet until the motor vehicle has safely passed the conveyance; or (3) if it is not possible, prohibited by law, or unsafe to make a lane change pursuant to this law or to leave a reasonable and safe distance of not less than four feet, the motor vehicle operator shall reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to 25 miles per hour or a lower posted speed and be prepared to stop; the operator may pass the pedestrian or personal conveyance only if, considering the size and speed of the motor vehicle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and the surface and width of the roadway, passing does not endanger the safety of a pedestrian, operator of the personal conveyance, or any other person on the roadway. A person who commits a violation of the provisions of this section which results in bodily injury shall be fined $500 and assessed two motor vehicle penalty points; if no bodily injury results, the violator shall be fined $100 and shall not be assessed any penalty points.
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| New Mexico |
None
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| New York |
NY CLS Veh. & Tr. § 1122-a
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The operator of a vehicle overtaking, from behind, a bicycle proceeding on the same side of a roadway shall pass to the left of such bicycle at a safe distance until safely clear thereof.
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| North Carolina |
N.C. Gen Stat. § 20-149 and 20-150
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The driver of any such vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at least two feet to the left thereof, and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until safely clear of such overtaken vehicle. In a no-pass zone, a motorist may pass a bicyclist if (1) The slower moving vehicle to be passed is a bicycle or a moped. (2) The slower moving vehicle is proceeding in the same direction as the faster moving vehicle. (3) The driver of the faster moving vehicle either (i) provides a minimum of four feet between the faster moving vehicle and the slower moving vehicle or (ii) completely enters the left lane of the highway. (4) The operator of the slower moving vehicle is not (i) making a left turn or (ii) signaling to communicate a left turn. (5) The driver of the faster moving vehicle complies with all other applicable requirements.
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| North Dakota |
N.D. Sess. Laws, Chap. 39, sec. 39-10-11.1 |
The driver of a vehicle shall leave a safe distance when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a roadway and shall maintain clearance until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle. "Safe distance" as used in this section means no less than three feet [0.91 meters] clearance.
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| Ohio |
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4511.27
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The operator of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall pass to the left at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. When a motor vehicle overtakes and passes a bicycle, three feet or greater is considered a safe passing distance.
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| Oklahoma |
47 Okl. St. §11-1208
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Pass with a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three (3) feet until the motor vehicle is safely past the overtaken bicycle. If there is more than one lane for traffic in the same direction, a motorist passing a cyclist shall move the vehicle to the lane to the immediate left if the lane is available and moving into the lane is reasonably safe, and the motorist shall not move back into the travel lane until the vehicle is safely clear of the overtaken person operating a bicycle. If there is only one lane for traffic proceeding in the same direction, a motorist shall not overtake or pass a bicycle at a distance of less than three (3) feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator, and shall not move again to the right side of the highway until the vehicle is safely clear of the overtaken person operating a bicycle. A motorist may drive to the left of the center of the roadway, including when a no-passing zone is marked, to pass a person operating a bicycle only if the roadway to the left of the center is unobstructed for a sufficient distance to permit the driver to pass the person operating the bicycle safely and avoid interference with oncoming traffic.” |
| Oregon |
ORS § 811.065
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A speed less than 35 mph and a "safe distance" means a distance that is sufficient to prevent contact with the person operating the bicycle if the person were to fall into the driver's lane of traffic.
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| Pennsylvania |
75 Pa.C.S. § 3303
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Pass to the left of the pedalcycle within not less than four (4) feet at a careful and prudent reduced speed.
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| Puerto Rico |
None
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| Rhode Island |
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-15-18
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A speed less than 15 mph and a "safe distance" means a distance that is sufficient to prevent contact with the person operating the bicycle if the person were to fall into the driver's lane of traffic.
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| South Carolina |
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3435
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A driver of a motor vehicle must at all times maintain a safe operating distance between the motor vehicle and a bicycle.
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| South Dakota |
S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 32-26-26.1.
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A motorist overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction must allow a minimum of a three-foot separation between the right side of the driver's vehicle, including any mirror or other projection, and the left side of the bicycle if the posted limit is thirty-five miles per hour or less and a minimum of six feet separation if the posted limit is greater than thirty-five miles per hour. A motorist overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction may partially cross the highway centerline between two lanes of travel in the same direction if it can be performed safely. The driver of the motor vehicle shall maintain that separation until safely past the overtaken bicycle.
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| Tennessee |
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-175
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Leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet (3') and shall maintain the clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.
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| Texas |
None
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| Utah |
Utah Code Ann. § 41-6a-706.5
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A motor vehicle may not knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly operate a motor vehicle within three (3) feet of a moving bicycle, unless the operator of the motor vehicle operates the motor vehicle within a reasonable and safe distance of the bicycle.
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| Vermont |
23 V.S.A. § 1033
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Exercise due care, which includes increasing clearance, to pass the vulnerable user safely.
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| Virginia |
Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-839
and § 46.2-905
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A reasonable speed at least three feet to the left of the overtaken bicycle. If the lane of travel is not wide enough to allow the overtaking motor vehicle to pass in the manner required in this section while in the same lane as the overtaken vehicle, the overtaking vehicle shall change lanes.
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| Washington |
Wash Rev. Code § 46.61.110
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A driver approaching a pedestrian, bicyclist, farm vehicle or person riding an animal who is on traveling in the right lane of a roadway or on the right-hand shoulder or bicycle lane of the roadway, must: On a roadway with two lanes or more for traffic moving in the direction of travel, before passing and until safely clear of the individual, move completely into a lane to the left of the right lane when it is safe to do so.
On a roadway with only one lane for traffic moving in the direction of travel and when there is sufficient room to the left of the individual, before passing and until safely clear of the individual a driver must reduce speed to a safe speed for passing relative to the speed of the individual; and pass at a safe distance, where practicable of at least three feet, to clearly avoid coming into contact with the individual. When there is insufficient room to the left of the individual, the driver must, before passing and until safely clear of the individual, move completely into the lane for traffic moving in the opposite direction when it is safe to do so.
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| West Virginia |
W Va. Code § 17C-7-3
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The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle traveling in the same direction shall pass to the left of the bicycle at a distance of not less than three feet at a careful and reduced speed, and may not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.
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| Wisconsin |
Wis. Stat. § 346.075
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Exercise due care, leaving a safe distance, but in no case less than three (3) feet clearance when passing the bicycle and maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.
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| Wyoming |
Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-203
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A motorist overtaking and passing a bicycle that is operating lawfully and proceeding in the same direction, must, when space allows, maintain at least a three-foot separation between the right side of the driver's motor vehicle, including all mirrors and other projections from the motor vehicle, and the bicycle.
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