Manitoba proposes new restrictions for motorists driving near snowplows, cyclists
Steve Lambert | The Canadian Press | Posted: March 17, 2025 8:52 PM | Last Updated: March 17
Bill would require drivers to follow at least 30 metres behind plow, leave 1 metre while passing cyclists
The Manitoba government is looking to set new rules for motorists who drive near snowplows, tow trucks and cyclists.
A bill now before the legislature would require drivers to follow at least 30 metres behind a snowplow on most roads, and 100 metres on roads with a speed limit of more than 80 kilometres an hour.
The proposed law would also forbid drivers from passing a snowplow if the driver's view of the road ahead is obscured by blowing snow or ice crystals.
The bill would specifically allow tow truck operators to place traffic control devices on the road when helping motorists.
It would also require drivers to maintain a distance of at least one metre while passing cyclists, while the current law mentions only an unspecified safe distance.
The one-metre rule would bring Manitoba in line with provinces such as Ontario.