Section 8: Basic Driving
Passing
On multi-lane roads, the left lane is for passing slower vehicles. Never pass on the shoulder. Pass as quickly and safely as possible. Do not stay alongside the other vehicle any longer than you have to.
HOW TO PASS:
- Check for oncoming traffic.
- Check your mirrors and do a head check for vehicles following or passing you.
- Signal and steer into the passing lane. Adjust speed and move entirely into the left lane.
- Return to the right-hand lane no less than 200 feet from oncoming vehicles.
- Wait until you can see the passed vehicles in your rearview mirror.
- Signal before returning to the lane, steer into the lane, and adjust speed.
- When passing on the right, it is illegal to leave the roadway.
If you are being passed, stay in your lane and keep your speed steady to allow the driver to pass.
NEVER PASS:
- If there is an oncoming vehicle.
- If a curve or hill blocks your view.
- At intersections, or another car when stopped at a crosswalk.
- Before a railroad crossing or bridge.
- In a no-passing zone.
- Slow down when passing bicyclists to give them as much space as possible.
If a snowplow displays flashing yellow lights, an individual operating a vehicle near the snowplow may not pass or overtake a snowplow on the side of the snowplow where a plow blade is deployed. If three (3) or more snowplows operate in echelon formation, an individual operating a vehicle may not pass or overtake the snowplows on either side.
