You should NOT overtake when _________.

Related Information

You must not overtake:

- if you have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you

- if you would have to enter an area designed to divide traffic, if it is surrounded by a solid white line

- the nearest vehicle to a signal-controlled crossing facility, especially when it has stopped to let pedestrians, equestrian traffic or cyclists to cross

- if you would have to enter a lane reserved for buses, trams or cycles during its hours of operation

- after a ‘No Overtaking’ sign and until you pass a sign cancelling the restriction


Do not overtake if there is any doubt, or where you cannot see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe. For example, when you are approaching:

- a corner or a bend

- a hump bridge

- the brow of a hill


Do not overtake where you might come into conflict with other road users. For example:

- approaching or at a road junction on either side of the road

- where the road narrows

- when approaching a school crossing patrol

- between a kerb and a bus or tram when it is at a stop

- where traffic is queuing at junctions or road works

- when you would force another road user to swerve or slow down

- at a level crossing

- when a road user is indicating right, even if you believe the signal should have been cancelled - do not take a risk; wait for the signal to be cancelled

- stay behind if you are following a cyclist approaching a roundabout or junction, and you intend to turn left

- when a tram is standing at a kerbside tram stop and there is no clearly marked passing lane for other traffic