Warning to drivers as overtaking cyclists incorrectly could land them with £1000 fine
Motorists are being warned to be cautious when driving near to cyclists as they could be hit with a hefty fine. Common overtaking habits could now be against the law after updates to the Highway Code clarified safe passing distances for cyclists.
Drivers overtaking a cyclist without leaving enough space may be slapped with a fine of £1000 plus penalty points, according to motoring experts. Under Rule 163, motorists must give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking at speeds up to 30mph, and even more clearance at higher speeds or in poor weather conditions. Failing to do so can be treated as careless or dangerous driving.
Cherie Carter, Director at Indigo Car Hire, said: 'Most drivers think they're giving enough room, but 1.5 metres is wider than many expect; it's about half the width of a typical car. We see many near misses where drivers squeeze past cyclists without realising how dangerous it is.'
Police forces across the UK have run undercover operations using cyclists with helmet cameras to catch offenders, issuing fines and penalty points to those passing too closely. Some regions are now considering permanent safe-passing camera schemes to enforce the rule more widely.
Cherie added further advice: 'If in doubt, hang back. Wait until it's completely safe to overtake with the right distance, or slow down behind the cyclist until you can pass safely. It's better to be a minute late than to put someone's life at risk.
'Our advice is clear; always treat cyclists as if they were a car.
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'Give them the space you'd want if you were in their place. It keeps everyone safer on the roads.'
Failing to give enough room to cyclists can result in fines starting from £100 but can rise to £1,000 or even a court summons if the overtake is deemed dangerous, especially if it results in injury.
Cyclists were also recently warned that they could be hit with fines if they don't follow new rules which are set to be introduced.
According to GOV.UK, five percent of all road fatalities involved pedal cyclists in the year ending June 2024.
People riding on a pedal bike may face fines if found guilty of one of the following:
Failing to stop at a school crossing patrol
Holding on to a vehicle while it is moving for the purpose of being drawn along
Cycling on a road dangerously
Riding a pedal bike on the road without proper care, attention, or consideration for others
All cyclists should be aware of new rules falling under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989:
Cyclists should use lights between sunset and sunrise
Lights should not cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road
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