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Maryland Code, Transportation § 21-1209

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the driver of a vehicle shall:

(1) Exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter being ridden by a person; and

(2) When overtaking a bicycle, an EPAMD, or a motor scooter, pass safely at a distance of not less than 3 feet, unless, at the time:

(i) The bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter rider fails to operate the vehicle in conformance with § 21-1205(a) of this subtitle (“Riding to right side of roadway”) or § 21-1205.1(b) of this subtitle (“Roadway with bike lane or shoulder paved to smooth surface”);

(ii) A passing clearance of less than 3 feet is caused solely by the bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter rider failing to maintain a steady course; or

(iii) The highway on which the vehicle is being driven is not wide enough to lawfully pass the bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter at a distance of at least 3 feet.

(b) A person may not throw any object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle, an EPAMD, or a motor scooter.

(c) A person may not open the door of any motor vehicle with intent to strike, injure, or interfere with any person riding a bicycle, an EPAMD, or a motor scooter.

(d)(1) Unless otherwise specified in this title, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a person who is lawfully riding a bicycle, an EPAMD, or a motor scooter in a designated bike lane or shoulder if the driver of the vehicle is about to enter or cross the designated bike lane or shoulder.

(2)(i) A person may not commit a violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection that contributes to the serious physical injury or death of a person riding a bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter.

(ii) A person convicted of a violation of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 months or a fine not exceeding $2,000 or both.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maryland Code, Transportation § 21-1209 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/md/transportation/md-code-trans-sect-21-1209/

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