Wisconsin 3 Foot Passing Law for Bicycles

Note that the law requires a minimum of three feet when passing meaning this is the absolute smallest amount of space any driver should give to a bicyclist when passing him or her.  

 

The penalty for drivers who pass a bicyclist without giving the MANDATORY three feet is a minimum fine of $25.00 and maximum fine of $200 for the first offense.  Second offense is a minimum fine of $50 and Maximum $500 if the two offenses occur within four years of each other.  

 

Note also that a bicyclist in Wisconsin also has a duty to pass with due care and needs to give three feet when passing a school bus not displaying a stop sign.  Wis. Stat. §346.80 (2)(c) requires: Any person operating a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device upon a roadway shall exercise due care when passing a standing or parked vehicle or a vehicle proceeding in the same direction and, when passing a standing or parked vehicle that is a school bus that is not displaying flashing red warning lights as provided in s. 346.48 (1) or a motor bus, shall allow a minimum of 3 feet between the bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device and the vehicle. 

 

Click here to read the story of an actual client injured by a driver who admitted not giving three feet before passing. Case was won at trial.  

 

Click here to read about an actual past client ticketed for getting hit by a car.  Case was won at trial.