Drivers in California Must Give Bikes 3-Foot Buffer

September 17, 2014

Californians will now need to take extra care to steer clear of cyclists.

Under statewide regulations taking effect Tuesday, drivers must give bikes a buffer zone of at least 3 feet while passing.

Cited violators will face a fine of $35, which could turn into $220 if a collision occurs in the buffer zone.

Citi BikeCalifornia Highway Patrol spokesman Officer Edgar Figueroa told the Los Angeles Times that officers will be watching cars and cyclists and have been trained to gauge distances by sight during their training.

Cyclists may legally use a full traffic lane on California roads but must follow the same laws as cars, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.

California is the 24th states to enact the 3-foot passing law.

Topics California Personal Auto

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Latest Comments

  • September 25, 2014 at 3:14 pm
    Blondie2 says:
    I HATE that! Drives me crazy.
  • September 18, 2014 at 12:11 pm
    Connie says:
    Let's also have bicyclists, whether two or 20, RIDE SINGLE FILE IN THE BIKE LANE. Just this morning I was driving to work and there was a large group of about 15 cyclists, ri... read more
  • September 17, 2014 at 4:53 pm
    Rosenblatt says:
    If a bike rider is traveling in the breakdown lane, you go to pass them, get 1/2 way, and the biker swerves/steers into your travel lane, are you illegally passing them if you... read more

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