Which Side to Use Turn Signal When Overtaking?
2 Answers
When overtaking, you should turn on the left turn signal. After overtaking and driving a certain distance, turn on the right turn signal when changing lanes to return to the original lane. Below are the relevant details: Before overtaking: The driver should fully understand the acceleration performance of their vehicle. Ensure that components such as the horn, turn signals, and headlights are functioning properly. Choose a straight, wide road with good visibility, no obstacles on either side, and no oncoming vehicles within 150 meters ahead. Overtaking should only be performed when safety is guaranteed. Avoid blindly overtaking without considering subjective and objective conditions. Comply with the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Overtaking is strictly prohibited at dangerous sections such as intersections, steep slopes, sharp curves, in adverse weather conditions like rain or fog, when the vehicle ahead signals a left turn, U-turn, or is overtaking another vehicle, and in areas with no-overtaking signs. During overtaking: Increase speed, approach the left side of the vehicle being overtaken, and reduce the distance to it (following distance should not exceed 20 meters). Turn on the left turn signal and honk the horn (use high-low beam switching at night) to notify the vehicle ahead. After confirming that the vehicle ahead yields or signals to yield, slightly steer to the left, maintain a certain lateral distance from the vehicle being overtaken, and accelerate past it from the left. Before overtaking, ensure the road ahead is clear with no oncoming vehicles. After overtaking, continue driving in the overtaking lane. After surpassing the overtaken vehicle by 20-30 meters, turn on the right turn signal, return to the original lane, and turn off the turn signal. During overtaking, try to maximize the speed difference between the two vehicles to reduce the overtaking distance and time, ensuring a quick and safe overtaking maneuver.
When I first drove on the road by myself, I was really confused about the overtaking rules, especially which turn signal to use. My instructor emphasized that on standard roads, you must overtake from the left and activate the left turn signal in advance. This is not just a rule but also a safety signal to the car ahead, indicating your intention to accelerate and pass. I remember that time on the highway when I forgot to signal while overtaking, and the car behind almost rear-ended me—it scared me so much I broke out in a cold sweat. Since then, I’ve developed the habit of checking the rearview mirror and blind spot before overtaking, confirming it’s safe, then turning on the left signal, and immediately activating the right signal to return to the original lane after completing the maneuver. This step becomes even more critical in rainy or nighttime driving when visibility is poor, as it helps reduce misunderstandings and accidents. Regular practice makes driving much easier, and safety should always come first. Don’t underestimate these small details—they could save your life in heavy traffic and give others peace of mind.
