Overtaking

The basic rule: overtake on the left

As a general rule, overtaking is done on the left. You pull out to the left, overtake the slower road user, then move back to the right as soon as you can do so without hindering the person you have just overtaken. Throughout the manoeuvre, you remain responsible for safety: only start an overtake if you are certain you can complete it.

The conditions for overtaking safely

Before pulling out, several conditions must be met at the same time. If even one is missing, you hold back:

• Sufficient visibility: you can see far enough ahead to complete the whole manoeuvre without surprises (no crest of a hill, no bend hiding the road, no fog).
• Clear space ahead: the left-hand lane is clear over a sufficient distance and no vehicle coming from the opposite direction will be hindered.
• Do not hinder others: no one behind you has already started overtaking you, and the road user in front of you has not themselves signalled that they are going to turn or overtake on the left.
• Signal the manoeuvre: you switch on your left indicator before pulling out, then the right indicator before moving back in.
• Check the blind spots: a glance in the mirrors AND over your shoulder, to the left, before pulling out.
• Suitable speed: you must be able to overtake clearly faster than the other vehicle, without exceeding the maximum speed allowed at that spot.

When may you overtake on the right?

Overtaking on the right is the exception. It is nevertheless allowed in several specific situations:

• When the driver you want to overtake has clearly signalled their intention to turn left and has moved into position to do so: you then pass them on the right.
• When traffic is moving in queues (for example at rush hour): a right-hand queue may then move faster than a left-hand queue without this counting as improper overtaking.
• On a carriageway with several lanes in the same direction (in a built-up area, or outside built-up areas under the conditions provided for): you may drive in the lane of your choice according to the rules, and therefore move ahead on the right.

Overtaking a cyclist, a pedestrian, a moped

Vulnerable road users require a bigger margin. When overtaking them, you must leave a sufficient lateral distance so as not to destabilise or frighten them:

• At least 1 metre of lateral clearance in built-up areas.
• At least 1.5 metres of lateral clearance outside built-up areas.

This distance is measured between the widest point of your vehicle and the road user. If the width of the road does not allow you to keep it, you wait for a better moment rather than brushing past the cyclist or pedestrian.

Summary

Overtaking is closely linked to other rules: the overtaking bans, passing oncoming traffic and the safe following distance. Master them all and you can approach the manoeuvre with confidence.

The overtaking manoeuvre in 3 phases

A successful overtake always follows the same order. Break the manoeuvre down into three steps and carry them out without rushing:

• Observe: first check your mirrors and the blind spot on your left, then switch on your left indicator to announce your intention to other road users.
• Pull out and overtake: move out to the left and pass while leaving a sufficient lateral clearance, particularly for two-wheelers (cyclists, motorcyclists), who are the most vulnerable.
• Move back in: only return to your lane when you can see the overtaken vehicle entirely in your interior mirror, switching on your right indicator, without hindering or cutting in on it.