According to MD law, how far must a driver be from a cyclist?

In Maryland, the law requires that when a driver is passing a cyclist, they must maintain a minimum distance of at least 3 feet between their vehicle and the cyclist. This distance is designed to ensure the safety of cyclists on the road, providing them with enough space to ride safely without the risk of coming into contact with passing vehicles.

Maintaining this distance is important for several reasons. It gives cyclists the necessary room to maneuver and helps protect them from being struck by side mirrors or other parts of the vehicle. Additionally, allowing this space is particularly crucial in situations where there may be an unexpected movement from either the cyclist or the vehicle, such as a sudden turn or a cyclist swerving to avoid a pothole or debris.

Other distances mentioned are not in accordance with the law in Maryland; while they might imply a degree of caution, they do not meet the legal requirement established to protect cyclists on the roadway.