The highway code has always said drivers should give cyclists "plenty of room" when passing - that's now been quantified.
More, undercover policemen on bikes are on the roads, looking to fine drivers £100 and hand out 3 points to anyone passing within 1.5m.
How do they catch you? Well, the policeman passed too closely radios colleagues further up the road with your details, for them to pull you over.
Officers will then explain - with the aid of a rubber mat - the proper distance and have the power to issue a court summons and caution for dangerous driving if they think you're not paying attention during the lecture.
Drivers face £2,500 fines for not signalling even if there are NO other cars
Where it's being rolled out first
Undercover police on bikes in West Midlands have been using footage on helmet-mounted cameras to catch dangerous drivers out since 2016.
They said the number of reported near-misses has since halved, while 20% fewer cyclists have been left seriously hurt.
Scotland will also see plain-clothes officers take to bikes now.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Driving too close to a cyclist can put lives at risk.
“This joint campaign between Cycling Scotland and Police Scotland will help raise awareness of the importance of safe passing distances and remind drivers of the action that the police will take if cyclists are put at risk.”
Inspector Andrew Thomson said: “Keeping all road users safe is a key priority for us and this campaign highlights that cyclists are vulnerable when being passed by vehicles too closely.
“Driving too close and not allowing sufficient cycle space when passing is an example of careless driving, and the minimum penalty for this is three penalty points and a £100 fine.
“Officers will be working hard to raise awareness of this offence and encourage all road users to use the roads with respect for others.”
