NJ Drivers Must Change Lanes Or Slow To 25 MPH Passing Cyclists

NEW JERSEY — Did you know? There is now a new law in place in New Jersey that requires drivers to either move one lane over when passing someone walking, riding a bike or a scooter or — if they cannot move over — to slow down to 25 miles per hour.

It is called the N.J. Safe Passing Law.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy last August and it went into effect March 1 of this year.

What exactly does the law say?

Under the new law, drivers must either slow down to 25 mph or move to the next lane when they pass someone:

• Riding a bike
• Riding a scooter or electric scooter
• Riding a skateboard
• Walking along the side of the road

According to these details on the law from the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition, the law states that if drivers see one of those above, they must:

• Move over a lane IF there’s one to safely move into.
• On a single-lane road, drivers must allow at least a 4-foot safety zone when they pass.
• If four feet is not possible on a section of road, drivers must slow to 25 mph

Violating this law could result in a fine of $500 and two motor vehicle points, if bodily harm is caused. If no injury occurs, the fine is $100.

This new law is similar to the "move over" law that requires drivers to move one lane over when they see police pulled over on the highway.