Key points
Above 35 mph, pass a bicyclist in your lane only with enough room to avoid contact if the rider falls.
Source: Handbook p. 50
“At speeds greater than 35 mph, you may only pass a person on a bicycle traveling in your lane if you leave enough distance to prevent contact with the person riding a bicycle if they were to fall.”
Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 50Sharing a lane with a motorcycle or moped is illegal; give them a full lane when passing.
Source: Handbook p. 52
“It is against the law to share a lane with a person riding a motorcycle or moped. When passing, you must allow them a full lane.”
Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 52Leave more following distance behind a motorcycle than behind a car.
Source: Handbook p. 52
“allow more distance between your vehicle and the person riding a motorcycle than you would another car.”
Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 52Large vehicles take about 3 times the distance to stop as smaller vehicles at the same speed.
Source: Handbook p. 53
“These vehicles take about three times the distance to stop than smaller vehicles traveling at the same speed.”
Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 53If you cannot see the driver in a large vehicle's side mirror, the driver cannot see you.
Source: Handbook p. 53
“If you can’t see the driver in the side mirror of the large vehicle, the driver can’t see you.”
Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 53Before pulling in front after passing a large vehicle, see its whole front in your rearview mirror.
Source: Handbook p. 53
“Look for the entire front of the vehicle in your rearview mirror before pulling in front.”
Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 53Be prepared to slow down or adjust your position when you see the slow moving vehicle emblem.
Source: Handbook p. 56
“Be prepared to slow down or adjust your position when you see this sign.”
Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 56A load extending 4 feet or more past the rear needs a red flag at least 12 inches square.
Source: Handbook p. 56
“A red flag, at least 12 inches square, must be shown at the end of any load that extends 4 feet or more beyond the rear of the vehicle.”
Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 56
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 35 mph | speed above which bicyclist passing needs fall distance | Handbook p. 50 |
| 3 | about how many times farther a large vehicle needs to stop | Handbook p. 53 |
| 4 feet | rear overhang that requires a red flag | Handbook p. 56 |
| 12 inches | minimum size of the red flag, square | Handbook p. 56 |
Recognize these signs
Slow moving vehicle
3 questions from the Oregon practice test
1. You are preparing to turn right beside an Oregon bike lane. May you move into the bike lane and travel along it before the turn?
- Yes, after checking that the bike lane is empty
- No, do not enter or travel in it in preparation for a turn
- Yes, for the final 100 feet before the turn
- Yes, if you signal before entering the bike lane
Show answer
No, do not enter or travel in it in preparation for a turn. Oregon distinguishes crossing a bike lane during a turn from moving into it in preparation for a turn. You must not enter or travel along a bike lane to get ready to turn, even when it looks empty or you have signaled. You may cross the lane while turning, but must first yield to people riding bicycles in it. Keep the approach to the turn separate from the actual crossing so the bike lane remains available to its users.
2. What should you expect when you see the SLOW MOVING VEHICLE emblem on farm equipment?
- The equipment can travel at freeway speed
- You should slow down or adjust your position
- The equipment must leave the highway immediately
- You may pass without checking for traffic
Show answer
You should slow down or adjust your position. Farm equipment and other slow-moving vehicles use a reflective red-and-orange emblem on a public highway. Seeing that emblem is a warning to reduce speed or adjust your position because the vehicle ahead may move much more slowly than surrounding traffic. The emblem does not grant permission to pass without checking, and it does not mean the equipment must leave the road. Spot the bright triangular marking early, ease off the accelerator, and wait for a safe passing opportunity with a clear view.
3. At speeds greater than 35 mph, when may an Oregon driver pass a bicyclist traveling in the same lane?
- Only with enough distance to prevent contact if the bicyclist falls
- Whenever the driver sounds the horn first
- Only by moving onto the shoulder regardless of traffic
- Never, even when a safe passing space exists
Show answer
Only with enough distance to prevent contact if the bicyclist falls. At speeds above 35 mph, Oregon permits passing a bicyclist in the lane only when the driver leaves enough distance to prevent contact if the bicyclist falls. A horn does not create the required clearance, and the rule says nothing about moving onto the shoulder to pass. The rule also does not make every pass impossible. If you cannot pass safely, slow down and remain behind the bicycle until the roadway provides the necessary space, then pass only after the safety margin exists.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with safe driving questions from the free Oregon practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Oregon Driver 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.