Should motorcycles overtake from the left or right?
3 Answers
Motorcycles should overtake from the left. The specific details are as follows: Reasons for overtaking from the left: Motorcycles are classified as motor vehicles and are subject to the same regulations. During normal driving, they should stay on the right side of the road. When overtaking, they can enter the fast lane because overtaking must be done from the left side of the vehicle ahead. Therefore, entering the fast lane is necessary to pass the vehicle in front. Overtaking method: After completing the overtaking maneuver, turn on the right turn signal and return to the right side of the road to continue normal driving. Before overtaking, the left turn signal should also be activated to signal to vehicles behind that you intend to pass the vehicle ahead. This means that motorcycles have the same rights as cars on the road, with equal road rights.
As a seasoned rider with 30 years of experience, I firmly believe in overtaking from the left. Traffic regulations clearly stipulate that overtaking should be done from the left, as the right side is typically the slow lane or non-motorized vehicle lane, while the left is the fast lane, making it easier to maintain clear visibility and a safe distance. Overtaking from the right can be dangerous because the driver ahead might not notice the smaller size of a motorcycle, especially in blind spots, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. In practice, I always signal with my left turn indicator first, check my rearview mirror to ensure no vehicles are approaching, and then accelerate smoothly to overtake, avoiding maneuvers in curves or congested areas. Safety always comes first, and regular checks of the braking and lighting systems can help reduce the risk of accidents. Never take unnecessary risks for the sake of speed.
When my son first started riding a motorcycle, I kept reminding him to overtake on the left. As a parent, I know all too well the risks of overtaking on the right: most car drivers have blind spots on that side, making motorcycles easy to miss and leading to collisions. I advise developing good habits—checking the road conditions ahead and behind before overtaking, giving a light honk to alert the vehicle in front, and controlling speed appropriately. Avoid forcing overtakes on narrow roads; following the rules protects both yourself and others. Wearing a helmet and protective gear adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. Just a few simple steps can prevent unnecessary dangers—remember, smooth riding is what matters most.
