What are the conditions for overtaking?
4 Answers
Overtaking is not allowed on curves. Below is an introduction to situations where overtaking is prohibited: 1. Special road sections where overtaking is not allowed: Overtaking is not allowed on curves. Overtaking is not allowed on slopes because accelerating to overtake is very dangerous. Overtaking is not allowed on bridges. Overtaking is not allowed when there are intersections or crossings ahead. Overtaking is not allowed when there is an oncoming vehicle within 200 meters. When driving on highways, overtaking is not allowed after entering deceleration lanes, acceleration lanes, or ramps. Overtaking is not allowed when entering or exiting toll stations and service areas. 2. Unsafe timing for overtaking: Overtaking is not allowed when the vehicle in front signals a left turn or U-turn. Overtaking is not allowed when there is a possibility of encountering an oncoming vehicle during the overtaking process. Overtaking is not allowed when the vehicle in front is already overtaking. Overtaking is not allowed when the vehicle in front is a police car, fire truck, or other emergency vehicle performing urgent tasks. Overtaking is not allowed under poor weather conditions.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of long-distance experience, I believe overtaking must meet several strict conditions. First, the current road must have dashed lines and be a two-way single lane, ensuring sufficient space. Second, visibility must be clear both ahead and behind, with no curves or hilltops obstructing the view. Third, the distance to the vehicle behind in the rearview mirror must be at least 150 meters—never force your way in just because your car is fast. You also need to consider your vehicle's condition; small-displacement cars should not attempt to overtake large trucks, as the acceleration process can be unsafe. Lastly, weather conditions must be taken into account—don’t take risks on slippery roads during rain or fog. Last year on National Highway 318, I witnessed a car overtaking on a sharp curve and flipping into a ditch—a bloody lesson indeed.
When coaching apprentices, I emphasize performing a full set of observation maneuvers before overtaking. First, glance at the interior rearview mirror to assess the following vehicle's movement, then check the side mirror to confirm blind spots, and finally turn your head for a quick peek through the side window. Activate the turn signal at least three seconds in advance—new drivers often overlook this crucial timing. Apply throttle decisively but avoid flooring it, especially in turbocharged cars where sudden boost pressure can lead to loss of control. Allocate 30% more overtaking distance than anticipated, as beginners frequently underestimate the speed differential during passing. Once, a trainee nearly sideswiped another car while overtaking near a tunnel entrance, failing to account for sudden crosswind gusts that caused steering drift at the portal.
Electric car drivers all know the differences in overtaking between various powertrains. Gasoline cars need to downshift and rev up, while electric motors require torque control. Tire pressure must be sufficient, or emergency lane changes can cause instability—especially dangerous for high-center-of-gravity SUVs. Last time I overtook a semi in an old Passat, flooring the accelerator resulted in sluggish acceleration and black smoke—forcing an overtake with insufficient power is just reckless. Overtaking in the rain requires extra caution: rear-wheel-drive cars can easily fishtail if you stomp the throttle, while AWD models, though more stable, actually have longer braking distances.
