How can a vehicle lawfully overtake or pass a bicycle in Virginia?

Full question:

Can a driver of a vehicle overtake a bicycle in Virginia?

  • Category: Automobiles
  • Subcategory: Traffic Laws
  • Date:
  • State: Virginia

Answer:

Virginia has Bicycle passing law, “§ 46.2-839. Passing bicycle.”, which states that “any driver of any vehicle overtaking a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, animal, or animal-drawn vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at a reasonable speed at least two feet to the left of the overtaken bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, animal, or animal-drawn vehicle and shall not again proceed to the right side of the highway until safely clear of such overtaken bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, animal, or animal-drawn vehicle.”

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In Virginia, when passing a bicycle, drivers must maintain a distance of at least two feet to the left of the bicycle. This is to ensure the safety of the cyclist. Additionally, drivers should only return to the right side of the road once they are safely clear of the bicycle. These regulations are outlined in Virginia Code § 46.2-839.