Rules in detail: Overtaking and passing

Pass on the right at a safe distance

What the rule says. The driver or rider of a vehicle that intends to pass another vehicle going the same way on a public road must pass to the right of it, at a safe distance. You must not drive on the left side of the roadway again until you are safely clear of the vehicle you passed. Exceeding the speed limit when overtaking or passing is not permissible.

Why it matters. Returning too early cuts in on the vehicle you passed.

In practice. You overtake a slow truck. Pass on the right, stay within the speed limit, and move back to the left only when you are well clear of the truck.

Key idea: Pass on the right; return left only when clear; stay within the limit.

When passing on the left is allowed

What the rule says. Passing on the left is permissible if the driver can do it safely for himself or herself and other traffic, and in one of these cases: the vehicle being passed is turning right or its driver has signalled a right turn; the road is a public road in an urban area restricted to vehicles moving in one direction, and wide enough for two or more lines of moving vehicles; the road is a public road in an urban area wide enough for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction; the roadway is restricted to one-direction traffic and divided into traffic lanes by appropriate road traffic signs; or you are following the directions of a traffic officer.

Why it matters. Safety comes first even where left passing is allowed.

In practice. A car ahead signals right and slows to turn. If it is safe, you may pass on its left.

Key idea: Left passing only in these five cases, and only if safe.

Never pass on the shoulder or verge

What the rule says. In no event may any passing be done by driving on the shoulder of the roadway or on the verge of a public road.

Why it matters. The shoulder is not part of the driving lanes, and may hold stopped vehicles or people. This applies to all passing, whether you are a driver or a rider, and whether the road is busy or empty.

In practice. A queue of cars is moving slowly. You may not drive along the shoulder to get past them, even though the shoulder looks empty.

Key idea: No passing on the shoulder or verge, ever.

Rises, curves and restricted view

What the rule says. The driver or rider of a vehicle may not pass other traffic going the same way when approaching the summit of a rise, a curve, or any other place where the view is so restricted that passing could create a hazard to traffic approaching from the opposite direction. The exceptions are if the passing can be done without encroaching on the right-hand side of the roadway, or if the roadway is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction.

Why it matters. You cannot see oncoming vehicles there.

In practice. You come up behind a slow car just before a blind rise on a two-way road. Do not pass, because you would have to use the right-hand side.

Key idea: No passing on rises, curves or restricted view unless you stay left or the road is one-way.

Headlight flash, freeways and being passed

What the rule says. A driver who wishes to overtake a vehicle ahead that is not in the left-hand lane can make the driver aware by flashing the headlights. On any freeway, vehicles must keep left and overtake to the right. When you become aware that other traffic going the same way wants to pass you, drive as near to the left edge as is possible without endangering anyone, and do not accelerate until the other vehicle has passed. When passing a stationary bus, take due care for people approaching or leaving it.

Why it matters. These habits make overtaking predictable.

In practice. On a freeway you are in the middle lane and see a faster car flashing behind you. Move left when it is safe and keep your speed steady.

Key idea: Freeway: keep left, overtake right; do not speed up when passed.

Quick recap

• Pass other vehicles on the right, at a safe distance
• Return to the left only when safely clear of the vehicle passed
• Exceeding the speed limit when overtaking is not allowed
• Passing on the left only in the listed cases, and only if safe
• No passing on the shoulder or verge
• No passing on a rise or curve or with restricted view, unless you stay on the left or the road is one-way
• On a freeway keep left and overtake on the right