Minnesota has the 3 foot minimum clearance law, too. Yet, I was talking to a friend of mine about how much I hate having to take the lane for a left turn, and she was totally surprised that this was even legal. She said she gets so mad when bikes are in the middle of traffic that way, and later in the conversation she said that she bikes that rode on the right side of the road were dumb, because they couldn't see the traffic.
I don't believe she's that atypical of a non-rider, so I have absolutely no confidence that drivers will be aware of this 3 foot clearance law. It will only help in determining fault after the accident!
On the other hand, I don't think I've ever been passed by a car closer than 3 feet. They usually give me a huge berth...
Actually, semi trucks and busses seem to be the vehicles most likely to cut it close, but maybe it just feels that way.
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