You are driving on a two-lane roadway behind a bicyclist traveling at 15 mph in a 35 mph zone. The road is marked with a double solid yellow centerline. Although the oncoming lane is clear of traffic, your vehicle is currently 75 feet away from an approaching uncontrolled intersection. What is your legally required action in this situation?
- ACross the double solid yellow line to pass the bicyclist immediately, provided you maintain at least three feet of clearance and complete the maneuver before entering the intersection.
- Remain behind the bicyclist at a safe following distance and defer passing until your vehicle has fully cleared the intersection.Answer
- CPass the bicyclist within your current lane without crossing the double yellow line, as long as you maintain the posted 35 mph speed limit.
- DSound your horn continuously to signal the bicyclist to pull onto the right shoulder and yield the right-of-way prior to the intersection.
Answer
Remain behind the bicyclist at a safe following distance and defer passing until your vehicle has fully cleared the intersection.
The option advocating for remaining behind the bicyclist until clearing the intersection is correct because state traffic laws strictly forbid passing or driving to the left side of the roadway within 100 feet of an intersection. Because the vehicle is 75 feet from the intersection, any overtaking maneuver is illegal, even if an exception allowing crossing double yellow lines to pass slow-moving bicycles would otherwise apply on open road segments.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Intersection Passing Restrictions and Bicycle Safety
Estimated Time:1m 30s