Is overtaking only allowed from the left side?
3 Answers
Overtaking must be done from the left side; otherwise, it constitutes a traffic violation and may result in penalties. Here is relevant information about overtaking: Definition of overtaking: Overtaking refers to the process where a following vehicle changes lanes to the rear side of the vehicle in front, 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. Dangers of improper overtaking: The right side is a blind spot for left-hand drive vehicles, with severely limited visibility. The vehicle being overtaken may not notice a violating vehicle on the right, making it prone to collisions with vehicles overtaking from the right when changing lanes to the right.
Yes, in most regions, it is indeed recommended to overtake from the left side when driving. This is primarily due to traffic regulations and safety considerations. In countries where driving is on the right side of the road, the driver's seat is on the left, providing a clearer view of both the front and rear vehicles from the left side, thereby reducing blind spot risks. For instance, on highways or urban roads, overtaking by changing lanes from the left is smoother, while overtaking from the right often leads to unexpected collisions. However, there are exceptions. For example, if the vehicle ahead is occupying the left lane and driving too slowly, you may safely overtake from the right, but this is not the norm. Having driven for over a decade myself, I always try to adhere to this principle and remind beginners to check the rearview mirror, use turn signals before overtaking, and ensure there are no curves or steep slopes ahead—otherwise, accidents can be serious. Developing good habits makes travel safer, so never take risks for the sake of convenience.
Honestly, when it comes to overtaking, the default is from the left, but sometimes there are exceptions. From my daily driving experience, left-side overtaking is the majority, mainly because the rules are set up that way—it's safer and more reliable. For instance, overtaking in the left lane on the highway feels more natural since the driver's perspective leans that way. However, when there’s a slow-moving tractor hogging the left lane, I’ve occasionally gone around from the right, though it carries risks—if a car suddenly emerges from the blind spot, it could be disastrous. Based on real-world experience, prioritizing left-side overtaking avoids a lot of trouble, especially at night or in rainy conditions with poor visibility. In short, don’t be reckless like I was in my younger days—safe driving is the golden rule. Those rules exist to protect our own lives.
