Motorcycles, Large Vehicles and Other Road Users

Key points

1. 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. 50

2. Sharing 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. 52

3. Leave 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. 52

4. Large 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. 53

5. If you cannot see the truck driver in the 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. 53

6. Before 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. 53

7. Be 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. 56

8. A 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

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Oregon practice test

1. 1. At speeds greater than 35 mph, when may you pass a bicyclist traveling in your lane?

   1. Whenever the center line is broken and traffic is light
   2. When you leave enough distance to prevent contact if the rider falls
   3. When you sound the horn and remain close to the rider
   4. Only after the bicyclist moves onto the shoulder
   Show answer

   When you leave enough distance to prevent contact if the rider falls. Above 35 mph, passing a bicyclist in the same lane is permitted only when there is enough distance to prevent contact if the rider falls. A broken center line and light traffic do not guarantee that space, and a horn does not replace safe clearance. Waiting for the rider to reach the shoulder is also not the condition stated by the rule. Reduce speed, judge the full lateral gap, and remain behind when the available room is not sufficient. The key cue is the possible fall path beside the vehicle, not merely the pavement marking.

2. 2. What should you expect when you see the SLOW MOVING VEHICLE emblem on farm equipment?

   1. The equipment can travel at freeway speed
   2. You should slow down or adjust your position
   3. The equipment must leave the highway immediately
   4. 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. 3. At speeds greater than 35 mph, when may an Oregon driver pass a bicyclist traveling in the same lane?

   1. Only with enough distance to prevent contact if the bicyclist falls
   2. Whenever the driver sounds the horn first
   3. Only by moving onto the shoulder regardless of traffic
   4. 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 driver cannot treat the shoulder as an automatic passing lane. The rule also does not make every pass impossible. Slow down or remain behind the bicycle when the roadway does not provide the necessary space, then pass only after the safety margin exists.

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.