Safe Passing is Now Vermont Law
As of July 1, drivers are required to provide 4' of clearance when passing a vulnerable user. Vulnerable users are just about everyone not operating a motor vehicle: people walking, biking, and rolling; road workers, and equestrians.
A driver passing a vulnerable user must exercise due care, which includes reducing speed and increasing clearance to a distance of at least four feet. If a driver cannot pass with clearance of at least four feet, then they must wait to pass (23 V.S.A. § 1033).
Drivers can cross the center of the highway as necessary to make a pass when the left side of the roadway is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic, including other vulnerable users. Drivers should not pass when approaching or on a crest or curve, or when approaching or at an intersection or railroad crossing, or when the view is obstructed upon approaching a bridge or tunnel (23 V.S.A. § 1035).
