New Laws For Passing Trash Trucks, Mail Carriers, Cyclists

Not so fast.

The message heard often coming from worried moms and cranky neighbors is a consistent theme among new Virginia laws for motorists.

Here’s the new rules of the road, according to the DMV:

• Drivers passing a trash or recycling truck on a neighborhood or two-lane road has to decrease their speed to 10 mph below the speed limit and pass at least two feet to the left of the truck. If the truck is working on the side of a four-lane road, the driver must get in the left lane to pass.
• Drivers passing a stationary mail vehicle displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating amber light must proceed with due caution and maintain a safe speed for road conditions.
• Bicycles, mopeds and other non-motorized vehicles are now included in the list of vehicles for which a motorist can be cited for following too closely.
• Motorists may cross double yellow lines to pass a pedestrian, bicyclist or skateboarder, if such movement can be made safely.

See more info on new laws for motorists.

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