Which Lights to Use When Overtaking?
4 Answers
When overtaking, pass the vehicle in front from the left side, so first turn on the left turn signal. After accelerating to overtake, when returning to the driving lane, treat it as a lane change and turn on the right turn signal. When changing lanes, the driver must signal in advance, pay attention to vehicles coming from behind, and also note that consecutive lane changes are not allowed. Below are the relevant regulations regarding overtaking: 1. Before overtaking, turn on the left turn signal, honk the horn (except in areas or sections where honking is prohibited, use flashing high and low beams at night), and after ensuring safety, overtake from the left side of the vehicle being passed. After maintaining a necessary safe distance from the overtaken vehicle, turn on the right turn signal and return to the original lane. 2. Do not overtake when the vehicle being passed signals a left turn or U-turn. 3. Do not overtake if there is a possibility of encountering oncoming traffic during the overtaking process. 4. Do not overtake a vehicle that is already in the process of overtaking. 5. Do not overtake when passing through intersections, crosswalks, flooded roads, flooded bridges, or when encountering situations specified in Article 36 of the "Road Traffic Management Regulations."
When overtaking, as an experienced driver, I always emphasize the importance of turning on the left turn signal. This is not just a traffic rule, but also crucial for driving safety—signaling in advance allows the following vehicle to anticipate your move, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. For example, on highways where speeds are high and visibility changes rapidly, signaling, checking blind spots, and then accelerating to overtake makes the maneuver much safer. I've seen too many accidents caused by silent overtaking, especially in rainy or nighttime conditions when visibility is poor. Make it a habit: turn on the left turn signal a few seconds before overtaking and turn it off promptly after completing the maneuver. These small details in daily driving can significantly enhance safety and help avoid traffic violations. Remember, your lights are a communication tool with other drivers—using them effectively ensures a safe journey.
Overtaking must be signaled with the left turn indicator, a point I consistently emphasize from a traffic regulation perspective. The law requires signaling before overtaking on any road to indicate the intention to move left and avoid unexpected collisions. Overtaking without signaling is not only dangerous but also illegal, potentially resulting in penalty points and fines. In practice, check mirrors and speed to ensure a safe gap before signaling and smoothly overtaking. On busy roads, indicators reduce misunderstandings, allowing trailing vehicles to adjust their pace. A common mistake is hastily overtaking without verifying if the lights are functional—I recommend regular checks, especially in low-visibility conditions like rain or fog. Safe driving starts with small actions; this habit effectively reduces accident rates.
I just started learning to drive, and my instructor always reminds me to turn on the left turn signal when overtaking. Now I understand the significance of this simple action. Signaling lets the car behind know you're about to overtake, preventing them from suddenly accelerating and causing a collision. After ensuring it's safe, accelerate to complete the pass. Don't skip the signal—it prevents potential conflicts. This is especially crucial on highways where high speeds require reaction time. Wrong approaches like silently overtaking can startle others. As a beginner, I follow this routine every time—it makes me feel safer and helps me grasp driving rhythm faster.
