Is Overtaking on the Right Side Allowed?
3 Answers
Overtaking on the right side is not allowed. According to relevant regulations: When overtaking, motor vehicles should turn on the left turn signal in advance, switch between high and low beams, or honk the horn. On roads without a central dividing line or with only one motor vehicle lane in the same direction, when the leading vehicle receives an overtaking signal from the following vehicle, it should reduce speed and move to the right to give way if conditions permit. In traffic regulations, overtaking is defined as a complete driving behavior system where the vehicle first changes lanes from the original lane, then overtakes the leading vehicle, and finally merges back into the original lane. If the vehicle only changes lanes from the original lane and overtakes the leading vehicle without merging back into the original lane, it is not considered overtaking. Similarly, if the vehicle overtakes a leading vehicle in the adjacent lane and changes lanes in front of it, this also cannot be called overtaking. Therefore, overtaking on the right side has a clear definition: changing from the original lane to the right lane, overtaking the leading vehicle, and then merging back into the original lane.
As a driver with years of experience, I firmly believe that overtaking on the right should never be done. On highways, the left lane is designated as the passing lane, while the right lane is usually reserved for slower vehicles or situations involving pedestrians and bicycles. Attempting to overtake from the right can easily lead to collisions or side-slip accidents, and it is explicitly prohibited by traffic rules. For example, I once witnessed a rear-end collision caused by someone overtaking on the right while I was driving—it was a terrifying scene. Therefore, it’s crucial to always abide by traffic laws and prioritize safety. Before overtaking, check the road conditions, use your turn signal, and ensure there are no vehicles before passing from the left. This habit can make your journey safer and reduce the risk of accidents.
As a young driver, overtaking from the right might seem faster but is actually too risky. Regulations require overtaking from the left; otherwise, you may face fines, penalty points, or even accidents. My experience is that in dense urban traffic, electric scooters often suddenly appear from the right, and a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a collision. Developing good habits—checking mirrors in advance, signaling to alert others, and then overtaking safely—is crucial. While I enjoy speeding up, I never forget safety rules to truly enjoy the thrill of driving.
