NSW motorists will have to leave a minimum one metre gap when passing cyclists or face fines and loss of demerit points.
Following a successful two-year trial, the Minimum Passing Distance rule is now a permanent NSW road rule.
The rule requires drivers passing a cyclist travelling in the same direction to leave a minimum gap one metre between the car and bike when the speed limit is 60km/h or less.
When travelling at speeds higher than 60km/h, the distance bumps up to 1.5 metres.
An independent review of the two-year trial found there was an estimated 15 per cent reduction in bicycle-to-vehicle crashes.
Drivers who break the law face a penalty of $330 and two demerit points.
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