Bicycles and Large Vehicles

Key points

1. Under Mississippi law, a bicycle ridden on public roads is a vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “According to Mississippi law, a bicycle is considered a vehicle when ridden on public roads.”
   Mississippi Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 60

2. Leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicycle.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “Leave a safe distance of at least three (3) feet between the vehicle and bicycle when passing the bicycle.”
   Mississippi Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 60

3. Do not cut off a cyclist by turning in front of them.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “Do not “cut off” a cyclist by turning in front of them.”
   Mississippi Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 60

4. An experienced cyclist can ride 20 to 25 mph and may be closer than you think.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “An experienced bicyclist can ride 20-25 miles per hour and may be closer than you think.”
   Mississippi Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 60

5. If you cannot see a truck's side mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “Remember, if you can't see the side mirrors on the front of the oversized vehicle you are following, the driver cannot see you.”
   Mississippi Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 59

6. It takes 3 to 5 seconds longer to pass a large vehicle than a car on a level road.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “On a level highway, it takes 3 to 5 seconds longer to pass a large vehicle than to pass a car.”
   Mississippi Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 59

7. Return after passing a truck when you see its front wheels on the pavement in your mirror.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “be sure to move back only when you can see the front wheels of the truck meeting the pavement in your rearview mirror.”
   Mississippi Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 59

8. Never pass a truck on the right if it might be turning right.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “To avoid a crash, do NOT pass a truck on the right if there is a possibility that it might be making a right turn.”
   Mississippi Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 59

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Mississippi practice test

1. 1. How much clearance should a driver leave when passing a bicycle?

   1. At least three feet between the vehicle and bicycle
   2. One foot if the driver sounds the horn first
   3. Six inches when the bicycle stays near the edge
   4. No set space if the passing vehicle uses the next lane
   Show answer

   At least three feet between the vehicle and bicycle. Mississippi's bicycle guidance calls for at least three feet between the motor vehicle and bicycle during a pass. The space protects the rider from wind effects, steering mistakes, and uneven pavement, and drivers should move into another lane when possible rather than squeeze beside the bicycle. A horn does not replace clearance, and a smaller gap is not made safe by the rider's position. Slow down and wait if the full space is unavailable.

2. 2. How fast can an experienced bicyclist ride, according to the Mississippi manual?

   1. 5 miles per hour
   2. 45 miles per hour
   3. 10 miles per hour at most
   4. 20 to 25 miles per hour, closer than you may think
   Show answer

   20 to 25 miles per hour, closer than you may think. Under Mississippi law a bicycle is a vehicle when ridden on public roads, and an experienced bicyclist can ride 20 to 25 miles per hour and may be closer than you think. Check for bicycles before turning right or pulling out, leave at least three feet when passing, and avoid honking near a rider unless a crash is imminent, since a startled rider can swerve into your path.

3. 3. When passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction, how should a Mississippi driver pass?

   1. Reduce speed, move into the next lane, and leave plenty of room
   2. Stay beside the bicycle in the same lane to save time
   3. Pass within inches before an oncoming vehicle arrives
   4. Sound the horn continuously while squeezing by
   Show answer

   Reduce speed, move into the next lane, and leave plenty of room. The manual tells drivers not to share the lane while passing a bicycle. Reduce speed, move into the next lane, and pass in the normal manner, leaving plenty of room. If oncoming traffic is present, wait behind the bicyclist until that traffic clears. The choice “Stay beside the bicycle in the same lane to save time” leaves insufficient lateral space, and the choices “Pass within inches before an oncoming vehicle arrives” and “Sound the horn continuously while squeezing by” add pressure that can make the cyclist lose control. Wind from a moving vehicle is another reason to give a bicyclist a wide, calm pass.

Source: the Mississippi Driver's Manual, Sharing the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.