The basic rule is keep left, pass right. Before overtaking, check mirrors and the blind spot, signal right, and make sure the road ahead is clear for the whole manoeuvre at a legal speed.
You may not overtake:
- where a road sign or marking prohibits it (for example a solid dividing line);
- a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing;
- on a blind rise, curve or anywhere your view ahead is limited;
- by driving on the shoulder or verge;
- on the right-hand side of the road in the face of oncoming traffic.
You may cross a broken dividing line to overtake or make a U-turn, but never a solid one.
Overtaking on the left is allowed, if safe, when:
- the vehicle ahead is turning right or has signalled a right turn;
- the road is a one-way road;
- the road is wide enough for two or more lanes in the same direction;
- a traffic officer instructs you.
Even then you may not cross the yellow left edge line to pass on the shoulder.
Being overtaken: keep left and do not accelerate until the other vehicle has passed. On a freeway, if the driver behind flashes headlights, move left when safe; do not hog the right lane even if you are at the speed limit.
A slow vehicle may move left of the yellow line to let others pass, but only on a single-lane roadway, between sunrise and sunset, without endangering anyone, and with a clear view of 150 m ahead.