Passing slower vehicles is a necessary skill for any driver, but not everyone knows the correct procedure to do so safely and legally. Let’s explore the rules and techniques for passing vehicles, specifically cars, on the road:
1 Rules for Passing Vehicles Going in the Same Direction
General Rules
According to road traffic laws, when passing a vehicle going in the same direction, you must pass on the left (except in specific circumstances outlined in the road traffic regulations where passing on the right is permitted). Additionally, you must ensure the following conditions are met:
Use Signals: When overtaking, you must signal your intention to pass using your horn or lights. Between 10 pm and 5 am, you should only signal your intention to pass using lights.
Pass Only When Safe: Ensure that it is safe to pass by checking for obstacles ahead, oncoming traffic, and ensuring the vehicle in front is not already signaling to pass another vehicle and has moved to the right.
Only pass a car when it is safe to do so
Vehicle in Front Should Slow Down and Move Right: When a vehicle intends to pass, the vehicle in front, if it is safe to do so, must slow down and move as far right as possible within its lane until the passing vehicle has completed the pass. The vehicle in front should not obstruct the passing vehicle.
When Cars Are Allowed to Pass on the Right
Cars are permitted to pass on the right in the following circumstances:
- When a specialized vehicle is working on the road and cannot be passed on the left.
- When the vehicle in front is turning right or has signaled a right turn.
- When an electric car is running in the middle of the road.
When Cars Are Not Allowed to Pass
Cars are not permitted to pass in the following circumstances:
- When driving on a narrow bridge or in a road tunnel with only one lane.
- When an emergency vehicle is using its priority signals while on duty.
- At roundabouts, the top of hills, and other locations with limited visibility.
- At road intersections and level crossings.
- When conditions do not allow for safe passing.
- Where there are signs prohibiting passing.
- When weather or road conditions do not allow for safe passing.
2 How to Safely and Legally Pass Cars Going in the Same Direction
To ensure safety when passing, drivers should pay attention to the following:
Maintain a Safe Distance Before Passing
Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, measured along the road surface from the front of your car. This allows the driver to see the road ahead and react to unexpected situations, such as obstacles or oncoming traffic.
Don’t Pass Immediately After Signaling
After signaling your intention to pass (by using indicators, honking, or flashing headlights), don’t pass immediately; instead, wait to ensure the vehicle in front has acknowledged your signal and observe their response.
If the vehicle in front signals a turn in the direction you intend to pass or activates its emergency lights, do not pass. If the vehicle in front signals a right turn and slightly moves to the right, it is yielding, and you may proceed with the pass.
Wait for the vehicle in front to yield before passing
Pass Decisively
Don’t drive alongside the vehicle you intend to pass for too long. When it is safe to do so, pass decisively without hesitation. If you reach a position where your front bumper is level with the rear bumper of the vehicle in front, you may pause for a moment (1-2 seconds) to assess the situation before completing the pass.
Ensure a Safe Distance Before Returning to Your Lane
After passing, check your mirrors to ensure there is a safe distance between you and the vehicle you just passed before carefully returning to your lane.
Maintain a Higher Speed After Passing
Once you have passed, maintain a higher speed and avoid sudden braking or deceleration to ensure the safety of the vehicle you just passed.
3 What to Consider and Prepare Before Passing
Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure a safe pass:
Stay Calm and Don’t Rush
Don’t rush when passing; instead, take the time to observe and calculate your move, especially when passing at high speeds on highways or expressways. Road conditions, traffic, and your driving skills will all impact the safety of the maneuver.
Don’t Pass Multiple Vehicles at Once
Avoid passing multiple vehicles at once as it becomes difficult to control your speed and react to sudden changes from the vehicles in front. This can lead to violations and accidents, unless the vehicles are moving in a close group at a steady pace and have moved right, in which case you may consider passing if conditions allow.
What to consider and prepare before passing
Don’t Pass in a Chain
If the vehicle in front also signals to pass, slow down and observe. Wait for the vehicle in front to complete its pass, and if it is safe to do so, you may then pass. Passing in a chain can lead to dangerous accidents.
Maintain a Safe Distance from the Vehicle You Are Passing
For safety, maintain a minimum distance of half the width of your vehicle from the vehicle you are passing. This will prevent a collision if the other vehicle suddenly changes direction or swerves to avoid an obstacle.
Don’t Pass If the Vehicle in Front Is Already at Maximum Speed
Do not pass if the vehicle in front is already at its maximum speed, as you would need to exceed that speed to pass, which would be a violation of speed limits. In this case, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
4 Penalties for Illegal Passing
Penalties for illegal passing
According to Article 5 of Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, drivers who violate the following passing rules will be fined between 3 and 5 million VND and may have their driving license suspended for 1 to 3 months:
- Passing in situations where passing is prohibited.
- Passing in areas with signs prohibiting passing.
- Failing to signal before passing.
- Passing on the right when not permitted to do so.
Passing in a road tunnel where it is not permitted will result in a fine of 1 to 2 million VND and a possible suspension of the driving license for 1 to 3 months.
Finally, illegally passing and causing a traffic accident will result in a fine of 10 to 12 million VND and a suspension of the driving license for 2 to 4 months.
The information provided above offers guidance on safe and legal passing techniques. We hope it helps you understand the rules of the road and contributes to your safety and that of others.
