Is it allowed to overtake on urban expressways?
2 Answers
Overtaking from the right lane is permitted. The commonly mentioned left-side overtaking should be applied when driving on roads without lane dividers. When lanes are clearly divided, driving normally within your own lane without speeding is certainly acceptable. Introduction to Overtaking: Overtaking refers to the process where a following vehicle changes lanes to the rear side of the preceding vehicle, passes it, and then returns to the original lane. The lane typically used for overtaking is the inner lane, which is closer to the center of the road and farther from the shoulder. Overtaking Precautions: In regions where driving is on the right, the overtaking lane is the leftmost lane; in regions where driving is on the left, the overtaking lane is the rightmost lane. Overtaking is an inherently risky maneuver that is sometimes unavoidable while driving. It requires proficient skills and techniques, as well as strict adherence to traffic regulations, to prevent accidents and incidents.
I've driven on urban expressways many times, and overtaking is completely allowed, provided that traffic rules and safe operations are followed. Based on my experience, urban expressways are designed with multiple lanes, usually including a dedicated overtaking lane, such as the leftmost lane. However, always pay attention to road signs, as some sections may prohibit overtaking, especially in tunnels or on bridges. Before overtaking, you must check the rearview mirror, use the turn signal, ensure there are no oncoming vehicles behind, and maintain a safe distance. I've seen many drivers attempt to overtake during peak hours, leading to accidents—this is very dangerous. When driving normally, I recommend overtaking only during periods with good visibility and light traffic, always keeping the speed within the limit. If it's raining or foggy, be even more cautious—safety comes first and is far more important than saving time.
