Division 1 - Road users and vehicles

Regulation 126   Keeping a safe distance behind vehicles

A driver*** must drive a sufficient distance behind a vehicle travelling in front of the driver*** so the driver can, if necessary, stop safely to avoid a collision with the vehicle (ahead).

***    Regulation 19  "References to driver includes rider etc" of Division 2 - Road users and vehicles notes reference to a driver includes a reference to a rider.

  • Regulation 15 of NSW Road Rules 2008 “What is a vehicle” states that a bicycle is a vehicle.

  • Regulation 17 of NSW Road Rules 2008 “Who is a rider” states that a rider is the person who is riding 'inter alia' a bicycle which is a vehicle.

  • Regulation 19 “References to driver includes rider etc” outlines that in the context of the road rules reference to drivers includes riders unless otherwise expressly stated.

  • Regulation 126 “Keeping a safe distance behind vehicles” notes that  “A driver (includes a rider) must drive a sufficient distance behind a vehicle travelling in front of the driver so the driver can, if necessary, stop safely to avoid a collision with the vehicle.”