Under what circumstances is overtaking prohibited when driving a motor vehicle in urban areas?
4 Answers
Road sections with heavy traffic flow. Article 43 of the Road Traffic Safety Law: When motor vehicles are driving in the same lane, the following vehicle shall maintain a safe distance from the preceding vehicle sufficient to take emergency braking measures. Overtaking is prohibited under any of the following circumstances: 1. The preceding vehicle is making a left turn, turning around, or overtaking. 2. There is a possibility of meeting an oncoming vehicle. 3. The preceding vehicle is a police car, fire truck, ambulance, or engineering rescue vehicle performing emergency tasks. 4. Passing through railway crossings, intersections, narrow bridges, curves, steep slopes, tunnels, pedestrian crossings, or road sections in urban areas with heavy traffic flow where overtaking conditions are not met.
When driving in the city, overtaking requires careful consideration of location and timing. For instance, never overtake near zebra crossings as pedestrians may suddenly appear, posing significant danger. At intersections where traffic lights change quickly, overtaking can disrupt traffic flow and increase accident risks. Areas like school zones or near hospitals have lower speed limits; overtaking there may lead to rear-end collisions or fines. Additionally, overtaking on double solid lines is strictly prohibited by law and can result in penalty points and fines if caught. Avoid overtaking when buses are stopped at stations, as passengers boarding or alighting create large blind spots, increasing collision risks. In summary, urban driving demands caution—always observe thoroughly and ensure clear visibility with no obstacles before overtaking.
I always remind myself to prioritize safety when driving. In urban areas, overtaking should be avoided during bad weather and complex road conditions. On rainy days, the roads are slippery, braking distances are longer, and the risk of losing control while overtaking increases significantly. In foggy conditions, visibility is poor, making it hard to see vehicles ahead, and overtaking recklessly could lead to collisions. Overtaking on curves or uphill sections is also dangerous, as it can easily lead to driving into oncoming traffic, especially at night when headlights are blinding. During traffic congestion, when everyone is moving slowly, overtaking is pointless and only increases the chance of minor collisions. Overtaking under tunnels or overpasses is even more hazardous due to the narrow space and limited room to maneuver. I advise drivers to develop good habits, heed navigation warnings about no-overtaking zones, and prefer arriving a bit later over taking unnecessary risks.
When I first started learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized paying attention to details when overtaking in urban areas. The most common scenarios include encountering traffic police directing traffic or construction zones—overtaking here can disrupt order and risk tools falling and damaging the car. Avoid overtaking in areas with many electric vehicles, as their high maneuverability makes sudden lane changes prone to collisions. In narrow alleys with many parked cars, blocked sightlines increase the risk of pedestrians or small animals suddenly appearing. Reversing sensors offer limited help during overtaking, so avoid overtaking on narrow two-lane roads; it’s best to wait for a clear straight section before acting. Mastering these rules enhances safety awareness overall.
