Minimum lateral clearance, when you MUST NOT overtake, and why crossing the centre line is often the right call.
When overtaking a cyclist on a rural road, keep at least 1.5 metres of lateral clearance. That is the widely taught standard, not a figure in law: under Trafikförordningen ch. 3 §33 you must leave a safe lateral distance, with no metre stated. On roads above 50 km/h, aim for 2 metres.
If you can't maintain 1.5 m without crossing the centre line, you should cross it, provided it's safe (clear sight-line, no oncoming traffic). Safer for the cyclist and everyone else than squeezing past too close.
• At blind hills or curves with obstructed view • Just before a pedestrian crossing or cycle crossing • At railway crossings • When oncoming traffic prevents 1.5 m clearance • At intersections where the cyclist might turn left If you can't overtake safely, stay behind and wait.
Return to the right lane only when the cyclist is visible in your inside mirror (i.e. at least one car length ahead). Cutting back too early is the most common cause of near-misses when overtaking cyclists.