Minimum Passing Distance for Cyclists in Each Australian State

Photo: RegionVisitor90, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Every Australian state and territory sets the same minimum passing distance for cyclists: at least 1 metre where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less, and at least 1.5 metres where it is over 60 km/h. This checklist confirms the rule in each state, explains how the gap is measured, and lists the lines you may cross to give it.

Key facts

• 60 km/h or less: at least 1 metre.
• Over 60 km/h: at least 1.5 metres.
• The gap is measured from the furthest left point of your vehicle, including mirrors, to the furthest right point of the bicycle or rider.
• To give the gap, you may cross centre lines, including continuous ones, if you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and it is safe.
• If you cannot pass safely, slow down and wait behind the rider.
• Breaking the rule can mean a fine and demerit points (ACT, SA).

Passing distance by state

The threshold is the speed limit, not your actual speed. On a 60 km/h road you need 1 metre. On an 80 km/h road you need 1.5 metres, even if traffic is crawling.

How the gap is measured

The ACT and Tasmanian handbooks both measure from the right-most part of the bicycle or rider to the left-most part of your vehicle. The ACT includes anything sticking out at a height that could hit the bicycle or its trailer, such as a mirror. If two riders are side by side, measure to the rider closest to you (TAS).

Lines and lanes you may cross to give the gap

If it is safe and you have a clear view of approaching traffic, the handbooks allow you to:

• drive to the right of the centre of the road
• cross or straddle dividing lines, broken or continuous, single or double (NSW, VIC, TAS, ACT, NT)
• straddle lane lines or move across lanes (ACT, NT)
• drive on a painted island or a flat dividing strip at road level (NSW, ACT, NT)

South Australia also allows drivers to cross centre dividing lines to pass at the minimum distance when it is safe. WA’s Drive Safe handbook does not describe this exception, so check with the WA Department of Transport. Line rules in full: Australian road markings and lane lines.

Checklist: passing a cyclist

1. Note the speed limit: is it 60 km/h or less, or more? That sets your gap.
2. Check the road ahead is clear for long enough to pass.
3. Check your mirrors and blind spot.
4. Indicate.
5. Move out to give at least the full gap. Cross the centre line if needed and safe.
6. Pass, then check you can see the rider in your mirror before moving back (TAS).
7. If the road is too narrow or you cannot see ahead, stay behind the rider until conditions change.

Do not let horn-tooting drivers behind you rush you. Pass only when it is safe (NSW). The general overtaking rules are in overtaking, merging and changing lanes in Australia.

Other rules for sharing the road with bicycle riders

• Whole lane: cyclists may use a full lane, including riding in the middle of it, for example to avoid rough edges or gravel (NSW, WA, TAS).
• Two abreast: riders may ride side by side if they are no more than 1.5 metres apart.
• Bicycle lanes: riders must use them where practical. You may drive in one for up to 50 metres only to enter or leave the road, overtake a vehicle turning right, or enter a lane from the side of the road (NSW). Give way to a cyclist in a bicycle lane next to you (ACT).
• Turning left: do not cut across a rider. Cyclists can overtake on the left.
• Speed: cyclists can reach more than 55 km/h. Misjudging a rider’s speed when turning across their path is one of the most common causes of crashes (WA).
• Doors: check your mirror and look over your shoulder before opening your door. If you cause a crash by opening it in front of a rider, you may be legally to blame (WA, ACT).
• Crossings: give way to cyclists riding or walking across a pedestrian crossing (ACT).
• Roundabouts: cyclists may turn right from the left lane of a multi-lane roundabout. See roundabout rules in Australia.

Motorcyclists have their own rules, including lane filtering. See motorcyclists and lane filtering.

Common questions

Is it 1 metre or 1.5 metres on a 60 km/h road?

1 metre. The 1.5 metre rule starts once the limit is over 60 km/h.

Can I cross double white lines to pass a cyclist?

Yes, in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT, if you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and it is safe. If not, wait.

What if I cannot give a full metre on a narrow road?

Then you must not pass yet. Slow down and stay behind the rider until there is room.

Does the rule apply if a cyclist pulls up beside me at the lights?

South Australia’s cycling laws say you do not commit an offence if a rider stops next to your stationary car within the minimum distance. You pass once you can do so with the full gap.

Can I be fined for passing too close?

Yes. The ACT handbook says drivers who fail to comply may get an infringement notice and demerit points. South Australia also applies a fine and demerit points. Check the current penalty with your state.

Is this on the knowledge test?

It is in every state handbook, so expect it. Learn the 1 metre and 1.5 metre figures and the 60 km/h threshold.

Related: the Australian Road Rules explained.

Sources

• Transport for NSW, “Road User Handbook” (nsw.gov.au)
• Department of Transport and Planning Victoria, “Road to Solo Driving” (transport.vic.gov.au)
• Street Smarts, Queensland Government, “Bicycle riders: Get the facts” (streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au)
• Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland, “Trialling technology to measure passing distance” (tmr.qld.gov.au)
• Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure WA, “Drive Safe: A handbook for Western Australian road users” (transport.wa.gov.au)
• Government of South Australia, “Cyclist road rules and safety” (sa.gov.au)
• Government of South Australia, “Cycling Laws” (mylicence.sa.gov.au)
• Department of State Growth Tasmania, “Tasmanian Road Rules, Version 2.1” (transport.tas.gov.au)
• Access Canberra, “ACT Road Rules Handbook” (accesscanberra.act.gov.au)
• Northern Territory Government, “NT Road Users’ Handbook” (nt.gov.au)