Which side should you overtake from?
2 Answers
Overtaking should be done from the left side. In regions where traffic keeps to the right, the overtaking lane is the leftmost lane. In regions where traffic keeps to the left, the overtaking lane is the rightmost lane. According to regulations: 1. Overtaking from the right while driving a motor vehicle will result in a 3-point penalty and a fine of up to 200 RMB. The right side is the blind spot for left-hand drive vehicles, with severely limited visibility. The vehicle being overtaken may not notice the violating vehicle on the right, increasing the risk of collision when changing lanes to the right. 2. Overtaking refers to the process where the following vehicle merges into the rear side of the leading vehicle, passes it, and then merges back into 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.
As a seasoned driving enthusiast, let me tell you that overtaking must always be done from the left—it's absolutely the safest choice. According to traffic regulations in standard driving countries like China, the left lane is designated for overtaking because it minimizes collision risks. Before overtaking, you should check your rearview mirror to ensure no vehicle is closely following, signal with your turn indicator, then accelerate to pass. Overtaking from the right may lead to being blocked or colliding with vehicles in blind spots. I've witnessed major rear-end collisions on highways caused by right-side overtaking. Especially during rainy conditions or at night when visibility is poor, left-side overtaking provides better road visibility and awareness of oncoming traffic. Remember, overtaking isn't a race against time—waiting a few extra seconds to confirm safety is far better than taking risks. Develop good habits by reminding yourself to assess road conditions before every maneuver, protecting both yourself and others.
