Minimum Passing Distance is permanent law in NSW
Providing space when overtaking bike riders helps prevent close passes and ensure the road is shared safely.
What is the Minimum Passing Distance?
When the speed limit is 60km/h and under, a motor vehicle must provide bike riders 1 metre of space when overtaking.
When the speed limit is over 60km/h, a motor vehicle must provide 1.5 metres of space when overtaking.
The measurement is taken from the widest part of the bike or rider (i.e. handle bars or shoulder) to the widest part of the motor vehicle (i.e. a mirror)
2026 Minimum Passing Distance resource - education and awareness
It has been 10 years since Bicycle NSW played a key role in the trial of Minimum Passing Distance (MPD) legislation in NSW, which saw it then become part of permanent law in 2018.
Eight years on from this introduction, community awareness has remained low and enforcement has been rare. However Bicycle NSW has made continual efforts to raise concerns about non-enforcement directly with the NSW Government and senior police. As part of our ongoing work around road safety, we have developed a resource that aims to increase awareness and continue educating road users about MPD.
Recognising the number of audiences that this issue is relevant to, we set out to create a resource which could be useful for Bicycle User Groups to host on their websites, present during online meetings, or at in-person events. Importantly, it provides key details on how cyclists can prepare submissions for possible MPD infringements.
Most of this information has been on our website for years - but this new resource pulls together more recent statistics, and re-affirms our commitment to create safe roads for all road users.
Exemptions to the law for drivers while passing a bike rider
Drivers will be exempted from following road rules when passing a bike rider with the required 1m or 1.5m of space providing the driver has a clear view of approaching traffic:
- "keep to the left of the centre of the road (two-way road with no dividing line)"
- "keep to the left of the centre dividing line – broken and unbroken lines"
- "keep off a flat dividing strip"
- "keep off a flat painted island"
- "drive within a single marked lane or line of traffic"
- "move from one marked lane to another across a continuous line separating the lanes."
Extending the courtesy to path users
When riding on shared path and footpaths, we strongly encourage bike riders to give pedestrians and other riders 1 metre of space when overtaking.
Bike riders are allowed to ride on footpaths if they are under the age of 16, or are with an under 16 bike rider. More about footpath riding in NSW.
FAQ
Bicycle NSW has written up a step by step guide to assist our members - How to Report Minimum Passing Distance Incidents.
This Step-by-Step Guide features 4 steps:
- Initial Actions
- Report the Incident
- Follow Up
- Bicycle NSW Review
We hear from members sometimes the police officer's responses are confusing or misaligned with the regulation. In these cases, please record the details.
You can let Bicycle NSW know and we can provide this feedback directly to NSW Police in our forums with them.
Additionally, if you believe the incident resulted in misconduct, unlawful actions and unreasonable practices, you could report the incident to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) who investigate concerns / complaints about police. Incorrect information about MPD could be a reflection of poor practices and systemic weaknesses in how police manage and interpret this particular law and require investigation and action.
Campaigning for Minimum Passing Distance
Minimum Passing Distance Enforcement
Minimum Passing Distance with NSW Police Force
