MS HB88

Amends Mississippi Code Section 63-3-1309 to add a felony provision for motor vehicle operators who violate bicycle passing laws and cause serious injury or death to a cyclist.

Motor vehicle operators must maintain a safe distance of at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist and may pass in non-passing zones only when safe to do so.

Operators who violate these passing laws and cause an accident resulting in a cyclist's death or serious injury (including mutilation, disfigurement, permanent disability, or destruction of tongue, eye, lip, nose, or other limb or organ) shall be guilty of a felony.

Felony punishment includes imprisonment for 5 to 20 years, a fine of $1,000 to $10,000, or both.

Effective date: July 1, 2012.