Is Overtaking Allowed on Highways?
3 Answers
Highway overtaking is permitted. When overtaking on a highway, you should use the leftmost lane, which is the lane with the highest speed limit on that section of the highway. Relevant details are as follows: Overtaking procedure: Follow the vehicle to be overtaken in the same lane from behind. Activate the left turn signal, change lanes to the adjacent left lane, accelerate to catch up and pass the vehicle ahead. Activate the right turn signal, and after surpassing the vehicle and establishing a safe distance, change lanes back to the original lane (now ahead of the overtaken vehicle), then turn off the signal. Situations where overtaking is prohibited: When approaching toll stations. While driving through tunnels. Tunnel driving significantly reduces visibility, making it difficult to react promptly to emergencies. Do not overtake on ramp roads. When entering or exiting highways, drivers typically navigate narrow ramps where overtaking is inconvenient. Avoid overtaking when large trucks are driving side by side ahead.
I've been driving on highways for over a decade and often encounter situations where overtaking is necessary because slower vehicles ahead can cause delays. Based on my experience, overtaking is acceptable but must follow safety rules. Specifically, overtaking should be done in the left lane, as this is the designated passing lane. I always check the rearview mirror and blind spots first to ensure no vehicles are following too closely; then I signal with the turn indicator to alert surrounding drivers; once it's safe, I accelerate to pass and promptly return to the original lane. On highways, overtaking is usually prohibited in tunnels, near exits, or on curves due to poor visibility and higher accident risks. Once, during heavy rain, I nearly rear-ended another car because I didn't maintain a safe distance while overtaking—a lesson I won't forget. So, I believe reasonable overtaking is fine, but reckless maneuvers must be avoided. Maintaining a steady speed and paying attention to signals ensures both time efficiency and safety.
While studying traffic regulations, I learned that overtaking on highways is legal, but it must strictly follow the rules. The law mandates that overtaking must be done using the left lane, and under no circumstances should one force their way from the right or center. It's also important to pay attention to speed limit signs and avoid speeding during overtaking. When driving, I've developed the habit of checking for no-overtaking zone signs, such as at intersections and construction areas where overtaking is completely prohibited. Additionally, traffic regulations can vary slightly between provinces, so I recommend checking local rules before long-distance trips to avoid violations. From a safety perspective, ensure there's enough distance and clear visibility before overtaking; in cases of heavy fog, rain, or snow, it's best to slow down and follow the car ahead rather than risk overtaking. I believe overtaking can improve efficiency, but failing to follow the rules may result in fines or accidents. Therefore, the key lies in cautious operation and maintaining traffic order.
