Bill > HB535

This bill establishes specific safety requirements for motor vehicle operators when passing pedestrians or bicyclists in municipalities with populations of 100,000 or more. The legislation requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians or bicyclists and mandates minimum passing distances: at least three feet for passenger cars and light trucks, and at least six feet for commercial motor vehicles and larger trucks. When a roadway has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction, drivers must change lanes to pass pedestrians or bicyclists. The bill also allows drivers to cross no-passing zone markings to pass a pedestrian or bicyclist if they comply with other traffic laws. An affirmative defense to prosecution exists if the pedestrian or bicyclist was violating traffic laws in a way that contributed to the potential offense. The new rules will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date, providing clarity and time for drivers to understand the new requirements.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB535