Definition
Overtaking is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres and is heavily regulated. Pass on the left in normal circulation (on the right when the other vehicle is turning left, or on multi-lane urban roads). Check the lane is clear, signal, check mirror and blind spot, overtake with margin, and return to lane when you see the overtaken vehicle in the interior mirror.
Key facts
- Default: overtake on the left; on the right only in specified cases.
- Forbidden at crests, blind curves, intersections, level crossings, pedestrian crossings, tunnels and certain steep slopes.
- When overtaking a cyclist, leave at least 1.5 m lateral clearance.
- Solid line: no overtaking by crossing into the opposing lane.
Practice real questions on this topic
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In the DGT exam
- Outside a built-up area, the black car in the left lane has finished overtaking. It can safely return to the right lane, and neither traffic nor road conditions justify staying on the left. May it normally remain in that lane?
- There is light fog, but visibility is sufficient to overtake or abandon the manoeuvre safely. All other rules are met and overtaking is not prohibited. Does fog alone prevent overtaking?
- On a section with visibility so restricted that you cannot check whether a U-turn would endanger other road users, may you make it?