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Overtaking a Cyclist: How Much Room?

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Updates to the Highway Code specify the amount of room you need to leave when overtaking a cyclist.

However, not all road users are aware of these changes to the legislation and failing to leave enough room when overtaking a cyclist can have legal consequences.

In the following article, we clarify the amount of room you need to overtake a cyclist according to the Highway Code rules and the penalties you could face if you are accused of overtaking in an unsafe manner.

Please note that the following article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you need legal support with allegations relating to a motoring offence, please get in touch, and our team can advise you.

How much room should you leave a cyclist when overtaking?

The Highway Code states that when overtaking a cyclist, you must leave at least 1.5 metres of space if driving at speeds up to 30 mph. This gap should be increased further at higher speeds.

When you are overtaking a cyclist, you should leave as much room as you would give to a car. This rule applies even if the cyclist is in a cycle lane.

Many cyclists now use front and rear cameras, making it easier to report careless or dangerous driving. Video evidence can be submitted online, leading to more frequent prosecutions.

While breaching the Highway Code does not automatically mean you have committed a criminal offence, it can be used as evidence against you.

If you are facing an allegation of careless or dangerous driving, our experienced motoring offence solicitors can provide specialist legal advice.

Do you need to indicate when overtaking a cyclist?

Yes, it is advisable to signal when overtaking a cyclist to ensure the safety of all road users.

While the Highway Code does not explicitly state that you must indicate every time you overtake a cyclist, Rule 103 advises drivers to use signals to help other road users understand their intentions.

Signalling before overtaking a cyclist can alert those behind you, including other drivers and pedestrians, reducing the risk of an accident.

Failing to indicate when required could be considered careless or inconsiderate driving, depending on the circumstances. If an accident occurs due to a lack of signalling, you may face legal consequences.

If you are facing allegations related to a driving offence, JD Spicer Zeb’s expert solicitors are available 24/7 to provide tailored legal advice and representation.

What are the penalties if you don't leave enough room when overtaking a cyclist?

Failing to leave enough space when overtaking a cyclist can result in penalties ranging from points on your licence to imprisonment, depending on the circumstances of an incident.

If you cut up a cyclist or get too close when overtaking, you could face between 3 and 9 points on your license and a charge of driving without due care and attention.

If you are facing allegations of improper overtaking or any other driving offence, JD Spicer Zeb’s experienced criminal defence team is here to offer expert legal advice and support.

Related offences

We also provide support and guidance on various other matters that are related to motoring offences, including:

Related cases

Fees and funding

We are always clear and upfront when it comes to legal fees.

If you are required to attend court, you may be eligible for Legal Aid. Whether you can access Legal Aid will depend on whether the grant of public funding is justified on a means and interest of justice basis.

Where you do not qualify for Legal Aid, the alternative will be to fund the case on a private basis.       

To find out more about the way we handle fees (both Legal Aid and private fees), please use the links provided below:

Contact our driving offence solicitors today

If you are due to attend the police station, require any urgent specialist advice, or immediate representation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact our dedicated driving offence solicitors in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you quickly.

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For immediate representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556, and we will provide a prompt, friendly response.