Can I be fined for overtaking a cyclist?

ONE of the biggest issues between cyclists and drivers is how much room they give each other on the road.

But can you get fined for overtaking a cyclist? Here's the lowdown on what you need to know.

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Can I be fined for overtaking a cyclist?

Motorists can be fined for overtaking cyclists.

Drivers are allowed to overtake cyclists who are on the road but must give them plenty of space, as outlined in The Highway Code.

Under rule 163, it states: "As a guide, leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds."

However, if motorists are caught driving too close to cyclists as they overtake them, they risk being fined under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 - for careless driving.

The penalty for careless driving is a fixed penalty of three penalty points and a £100 fine.

If taken to court, this can result in a possible driving ban depending on the severity of the offence.

In some cases, the offer of a driver improvement course may be made instead of a fixed penalty or court prosecution.

Do cars have right of way over cyclists?

Under The Highway Code's revamp for 2022, cyclists have now been given more power on the roads than ever before.

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This is because drivers of vehicles can cause greater harm in the event of a collision.

Therefore, they bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger to others.

Drivers should not cut across cyclists, who are planning to travel ahead when turning in or out of a junction or changing direction or lane.

Cyclists have also been given extra priority at roundabouts.

Drivers shouldn't overtake them as they make their journey around, or get too close.

Cyclists must also be allowed to move across drivers' paths as they go around the roundabout.

Cyclists also have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

When should cyclists ride in the road?

In previous editions of The Highway Code, the ideal road position for cyclists were never mentioned.

Cyclists would ride close to the curb on the left-hand side of their lane or on cycle lanes.

Now, cyclists are able to ride in the middle of the lane at certain times, such as on quieter roads and in slower-moving traffic.

Rule 72 of The Highway Code says: "Ride in the centre of your lane, to make yourself as clearly visible as possible, in the following situations:

"On quiet roads or streets - if a faster vehicle comes up behind you, move to the left to enable them to overtake, if you can do so safely.

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"In slower-moving traffic - when the traffic around you starts to flow more freely move over to the left if you can do so safely so that faster vehicles behind you can overtake.

"At the approach to junctions or road narrowing where it would be unsafe for drivers to overtake you."