Overtaking Safely – Tips for NSW Drivers
You may need to overtake another vehicle if it is moving under the speed limit. When passing a car in front of you, you must keep other road users safe and follow all road rules. In this post, the team at LTrent Driving School will share some of the top things you need to be aware of when passing a vehicle.
Factors to Consider Before Overtaking
- Ensure it is safe to overtake the vehicle in front of you.
- When attempting to overtake on a single-lane road, you must ensure the road ahead is free from oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance that
- allows you to return back to your lane.
- Do not endanger the car you are overtaking or other approaching vehicles.
- By checking your mirrors and blind spots, you must ensure that no other vehicle is trying to overtake you.
- Signal other road users about your intention to overtake for a prolonged period.
- It is likely safe to overtake if you can meet the requirements mentioned above.
What To Do When Overtaking
Once you start overtaking, you must consider following these requirements:
- Leave a safe distance (typically several vehicle lengths) between your car and the one you are overtaking.
- When overtaking a bicycle rider, you must allow at least one metre of clearance, or 1.5 metres, if you are going faster than 60 km/h.
- To avoid a collision, you must pass the other vehicle sufficiently before returning to your lane or the standard flow of traffic.
- Do not obstruct the other vehicle.
When Should You Avoid Overtaking?
It is not legal to overtake on the left in the following situations:
- When oncoming traffic is not visible.
- When approaching a hill, curve, or any area where your vision is limited.
- When the vehicle you intend to overtake has stopped or coming to a stop at a railway crossing, intersection, or pedestrian crossing.
- If you are in an area where the road narrows.
- When a vehicle shows a ‘Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle’ sign showing they are turning right or left. You should also not overtake where there is a road sign that indicates ‘No Overtaking.’
KEEP LEFT UNLESS OVERTAKING Road Signs
- You cannot drive in the right-hand lane on a multilane road with a KEEP LEFT UNLESS OVERTAKING sign unless:
- You are passing a vehicle in the overtaking lane
- You want to turn right
- You are legally allowed to make a U-turn
- The Left lane is marked with a traffic arrow or “left lanes must turn left” sign
- You want to avoid a dangerous obstruction
- The marked lanes are congested
- The right-hand lane is a special purpose and allows for its use
- Another vehicle is slowly making a left turn
Learn More About How You Can Overtake Safely
The tips and tricks above can help you safely and legally overtake vehicles in Australia. To learn more about becoming a safe driver, check out our Safer Drivers Course or book a driving lesson through the link below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if a Vehicle is Overtaking You
When a vehicle is overtaking you, stay calm, maintain your speed, keep left, and give the overtaking vehicle space to pass safely.
Can you exceed the Speed Limit When Overtaking?
No, you must not exceed the speed limit while overtaking. Always follow posted speed limits and traffic rules for safety.
Can you overtake on a Solid White Line?
You cannot overtake across a solid white line. It indicates that it’s unsafe to overtake, and crossing it is illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do if a Vehicle is Overtaking You?
When a vehicle is overtaking you, stay calm, maintain your speed, keep left, and give the overtaking vehicle space to pass safely.
Can you exceed the Speed Limit When Overtaking?
No, you must not exceed the speed limit while overtaking. Always follow posted speed limits and traffic rules for safety.
Can you overtake on a Solid White Line?
You cannot overtake across a solid white line. It indicates that it’s unsafe to overtake, and crossing it is illegal.