Important Rules for Passing When Driving

Passing a vehicle on the road is a fairly common occurrence. Sometimes, the vehicle in front of you is simply too slow. You can’t be expected to slog behind them forever. But the process can also be rather stressful for new drivers. Knowing the rules for passing when driving is important, and can help you keep out of sticky situations. Today, let’s look at some helpful passing guidelines and tips.

When Can You Pass a Car?

You’re generally allowed to pass another vehicle to its right in the following circumstances:

• It’s safe and there are two or more lanes on your side of the road
• You’ve been directed by a police officer to do so
• The vehicle in front of you is signalling a left turn and is either stopped or slowing down

Passing a vehicle on the left is more risky, since you might need to enter oncoming traffic to do so. In this case, you should only pass if it’s necessary to pass.

Two-Lane Road Passing Rules

Passing on a two-lane road is dangerous, and you need to have your wits about you when doing so. You also need to be prepared to make complex maneuvers in case anything goes south, so for beginner drivers, it might be best to avoid two-lane road passing until you’re more familiar with maneuvering your vehicle.

First, make sure that it’s legal to pass. Observe road markings and signs. If there’s a no-pass sign in the area, do not pass. Likewise, if there’s a solid line along your side of the road or a double solid line, you’re not allowed to pass.

Next, observe the current traffic situation and road and weather conditions. If traffic’s bad or the weather obscures your view, do not pass. In case of oncoming traffic, observe how soon it’ll reach your vehicle and account properly for the current speed of all vehicles involved.

Don’t risk passing if you aren’t sure of your timing. If you can’t make it past the vehicle in front of you without risking a head-on collision with oncoming traffic, do not pass. Likewise, if passing the vehicle in front of you necessitates going over the speed limit or putting your vehicle in danger, do not pass. You’ll need to go at least 10 to 15 miles per hour faster to pass a vehicle, and if you’re already near that speed limit, passing will put you over.

Multilane Road Passing Rules

On multilane roads where there are two or more lanes going in your direction, passing is a little easier. Generally, drivers travelling at slower speeds keep to the right. The speed of traffic increases the more lanes you move to the left. When passing on multilane roads, pass using the left lane, but only if the vehicles in that lane aren’t going the opposite direction.

In other words, move to a faster lane that’s also going in your direction when passing. Avoid passing vehicles on their right on multilane roads. Moving to the right lane means moving into slower traffic, which complicates passing.

When Is Passing Prohibited?

Passing other vehicles is illegal in the following instances:

• There’s a DO NOT PASS sign for the area
• There’s a double solid yellow line or a solid yellow line on your side of the road
• There isn’t enough time to pass the vehicle in front of you without reaching a solid yellow line or double solid yellow lines
• The vehicle in front of you is at or near the speed limit
• There isn’t enough time to pass the vehicle in front of you without confronting oncoming traffic within 200 feet of your vehicle
• You can’t see oncoming traffic adequately, such as in the case around a curve or top of the hill
• Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing or bridge
• Behind a school bus in the process of loading or unloading children

Safe Passing Tips

While passing a vehicle can be stressful, there are some steps you can take to make it easier. Here are some handy tips you could find useful:

Check Your Blind Spot

The worst thing that can happen when passing is being jumpscared by another vehicle while switching lanes. Double-check your blind spot before passing, relying on your vehicle’s sensors when necessary.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

Weaving back and forth between lanes is generally an aggressive driving behavior. It can cause tension on the road and might cause other drivers confusion. Passing other vehicles in this manner can lead to accidents.

Don’t Camp the Left Lane on a Multilane Road

On a multilane road, the left lane is for faster vehicles. If you don’t intend to keep pace with the vehicles in that lane, return to the right lane after passing.

Avoid Passing on the Right on a Multilane Road

Passing on the right on a multilane road means entering a slower lane and going faster. This can cause confusion and lead to accidents. Follow the speed limits at all times, and try to follow the general pace of whatever lane you’re on.

Move Over When Passing Smaller Vehicles

Just because you’re passing a bike or a motorcycle doesn’t mean you shouldn’t move over. Give them enough space when passing so you don’t get into an accident.

Overall, passing should become second nature to you over time. However, always keep these rules and tips in mind. The last thing you want is to miscalculate a pass and find yourself facing oncoming traffic.