Overtaking is one of the most hazardous manoeuvres on the road and must always be carried out with extreme care and good judgment. Many serious crashes occur because drivers or riders attempt to overtake when it is unsafe to do so. Before overtaking, you must ensure that the action is permitted, necessary, and safe in the current road and traffic conditions. You may overtake another vehicle only if all of the following conditions are met,

1. Overtaking is not prohibited
You may only overtake if no traffic sign or road marking prohibits it.
  • Always check for solid barrier lines, “No Overtaking” signs, or restricted zones.
  • If such signs or markings are present, overtaking is not allowed under any circumstances.
 • Remember, these restrictions are there to protect you and other road users from blind spots, oncoming traffic, or limited visibility
    conditions.

2. It is safe to do so
Even when overtaking is legally permitted, it may still be unsafe. Before you begin, ask yourself;
 • Can I see far enough ahead to complete the overtaking safely?
 • Is the road clear of oncoming traffic?
 • Are there any junctions, bends, or hills that could hide approaching vehicles?
 • Do I have sufficient space to return to my lane without cutting off the vehicle I’m passing?
If there is any doubt, do not overtake. Wait until you are completely sure it is safe.

3. The vehicle ahead is turning left
You may pass a vehicle on its right-hand side only if;
 •The driver ahead has clearly indicated that they intend to turn left, and
 •There is enough room to pass safely on the right without crossing into oncoming traffic or endangering pedestrians or cyclists.
Be cautious, drivers may change their minds or turn suddenly, so keep a safe distance and be prepared to stop if needed.

4. You are on a wide one-way road
On a one-way street, you may overtake on the right or left if;
 •The roadway is wide enough for two or more vehicles to travel side by side,
 •You can do so safely without forcing another vehicle out of its lane, and
 •No road signs or lane markings prohibit the manoeuvre.
Even on a one-way street, stay alert for pedestrians, parked vehicles, or drivers changing lanes unexpectedly.