DISTANCE WHEN PASSING A BICYCLIST
House Bill 4265 (proposed H-2 substitute)
Sponsor: Rep. Holly Hughes
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Complete to 2-26-18
REVISED SUMMARY:
House Bill 4265 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the driver of a vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle to pass at a distance of 3 feet to the left of the bicycle in most circumstances.
Under the bill, the driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle going in the same direction would have to pass at a distance of 3 feet to the left of the bicycle or, if that distance is impracticable, at a safe distance to the left at a safe speed. The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle and passing it on the right—if otherwise allowed to pass on the right under Section 637—would have to pass at a safe distance to the right at a safe speed.
A person who violated the proposed requirements would be responsible for a civil infraction, but would not have points entered on his or her driver’s record for a first or second violation. A person who violated the proposed requirements a third or subsequent time would have 3 points entered for the violation.
The bill would take effect August 1, 2019.
MCL 257.320a, 257.636, and 257.637
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 4265 would increase revenues to the state. Revenue collected from payment of civil infraction penalties is deposited into the state Justice System Fund, which supports various justice-related endeavors in the judicial branch, and the Departments of State Police, Corrections, and Health and Human Services.
Fiscal Analyst: Robin Risko
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.