Maryland’s 3 foot passing law has always had an exception for roads too narrow to legally give 3 feet. That means many of the roads we ride with no shoulders and double yellow line have not legally required 3 feet. Thanks to years of work by Bike Maryland, BikeAAA and others, HB230 sponsored by Del. Wells and cross-filed by Senator Lee was passed and goes into effect October 1, 2020. The new law permits crossing the double yellow to safely pass a bicyclist with all the usual caveats of safe passing – clear sight line, no oncoming traffic, adequate time, etc. This means 3 FEET is now required on all Maryland roads!
For an excellent video that features the new law, please click