A new vulnerable road user law is in effect in Massachusetts.

 The New Vulnerable Road Users Laws went into effect on April 1st, 2023 in Massachusetts. These laws were passed as part of “An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities” in an effort to increase roadway safety across the Commonwealth. In accordance with An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities, MassDOT has developed a standard regulatory sign to remind drivers about the 4-foot minimum safe passing distance. While this distance applies to passing all vulnerable road users, the sign was created to emphasize passing bicyclists, who are likely to be the most common vulnerable road user that a motor vehicle operator will encounter.

The signs will be distributed in the coming weeks, and this infographic is intended to educate the public about the new law.