Steps for Successful Passing

When overtaking an ongoing car, you should:

• Scan for hazards, e.g., oncoming vehicles, vehicles approaching from rear, merging vehicles;
• Check for blind spots;
• Signal your intention and accelerate into passing lane;
• Accelerate quickly to an appropriate speed;
• Concentrate on the path ahead;
• Check the mirror for following cars.

When returning to the lane, do the following:

• Check the rearview mirror for the front of the car being passed
• Signal your intention
• Change lanes and maintain speed
• Cancel turn signal

When You Shouldn't Pass Someone

Passing is illegal and unsafe in the following conditions:

• Your line-of-sight is restricted or limited by a curve, hill, or weather conditions, e.g., fog, rain, snow.
• When space is narrowed, and your front zones are closed.
• Cross-traffic is present, even if there are no warning signs.
• When there is a solid yellow line on your side of the roadway.
• A school bus is loading or unloading children.
• Attempting to pass a long line of vehicles.
• A vehicle ahead has indicated an intention to turn or stop.
• Traffic is too close.
• If you are unable to complete the pass before reaching the no-passing zone lane marking.
• The vehicle ahead is at or near the speed limit