New minimum safe passing rules designed to encourage the safe sharing of roads by drivers and cyclists in Western Australia, came into effect at midnight.
The new regulations are a key election promise delivered by the McGowan Government to provide greater protection for cyclists.
The new rules require drivers passing a cyclist travelling in the same direction on a road to do so at a minimum distance of:
- One metre on a road with a posted speed limit not more than 60kmh; or
- 1.5 metres on a road with a posted speed limit of more than 60kmh.
The penalty for drivers who contravene the new law is $400 and four demerit points.
As part of the new rules, drivers are now permitted to cross centre lane markings on roads, including double white lines, to ensure the appropriate passing distance but only if it is safe to do so.
The Road Safety Commission will monitor and evaluate the new rules, with a report provided to the Minister after two years.