What is Overtaking?
Overtaking is the act of one vehicle passing another when travelling in the same direction. It involves moving into another lane or road space to safely pass the slower vehicle, and then returning to the original lane.
For confident and experienced drivers, overtaking can seem like a straightforward task when faced with motorways, a-roads, and dual carriageways, but for some drivers, it can be a challenging and potentially dangerous manoeuvre.
Overtaking requires careful judgment, excellent timing, and a thorough understanding of the rules of the road. This guide will cover the essential points you need to know to overtake safely in the UK, helping you navigate roads with confidence and awareness.
Contents
- Can you overtake on a single carriageway road?
- Where is it unsafe to overtake?
- Can you exceed the speed limit to overtake?
- Can you overtake on double white lines?
- Frequently asked questions
Can you overtake on a single carriageway road?
Overtaking on a single carriageway is permitted if it's done in a safe and controlled way in instances where a sign doesn't indicate otherwise, but it carries risks due to the presence of oncoming traffic. You may find it appropriate to overtake on a single carriageway when following a slow moving vehicle such as a tractor.
When overtaking on a single carriageway, ensure there's a clear stretch of road ahead and avoid overtaking near bends, junctions, pedestrian crossings, or places where visibility is restricted. Be mindful of road markings and signs that may indicate no overtaking zones.
Where is it unsafe to overtake?
Not only is it unsafe, but it's illegal to overtake on any road that features a no overtaking road sign, which can often be found on single carriageways, approaching a bend, or junction.
When driving on a road where overtaking is permitted, you shouldn't overtake if you're in any doubt, or if you can't see far enough ahead to be absolutely sure it's safe.
Can you exceed the speed limit to overtake?
Staying within the speed limit is an unconditional rule of any road, with no exceptions for overtaking or any other manoeuvre. You must only overtake if the vehicle in front is travelling at a speed slower than the respective speed limit for that road.
Although overtaking is legal, there are strict rules in place to keep all road users safe and avoid accidents.
Can you overtake on double white lines?
It's against the law to overtake another vehicle on a double white line if there are road markings or signs prohibiting it. The laws around white lines and overtaking are as follows:
- Two solid white lines: You must not overtake if this will result in crossing or straddling these lines.
- Double white lines where the nearest line is broken: You may overtake if it's safe to do so.
- Double white lines where the nearest line is solid: You must not overtake another moving vehicle, but you are permitted to cross the line to pass stationary vehicles or a cyclist, horse, or road maintenance vehicle travelling under 10mph.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's not illegal to overtake two cars at once, however, it must only be carried out if it's safe to do so and is completed with caution.
Overtaking on a single lane road is legal when carried out safely and with caution, unless there are clear signs or road markings prohibiting it.
When overtaking a horse and rider, you should always drive slowly and leave plenty of room. Avoid driving too closely, revving your engine, or beeping your horn as this can startle the horse.
Give cyclists as much room as you can when overtaking (at least 1.5m), especially when overtaking at speeds higher than 30mph.
While not illegal, overtaking on the left or 'undertaking' is strongly discouraged by the highway code and can still be grounds for punishment if it leads to an accident. Therefore, the legality of undertaking shouldn't be taken lightly.
