Passing and overtaking
Passing means moving out to go around a slower vehicle, then returning to your lane. On a two-lane road it often means using the lane meant for oncoming traffic, which makes it one of the most dangerous moves in driving.
Signs and pavement markings tell you where passing is allowed, but you still have to judge whether there is enough clear road. When in doubt, stay in your lane.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can read the center-line markings and signs that allow or ban passing.
- You can judge whether you have enough clear road ahead to pass and return safely.
- You can carry out a pass with the right checks and signals.
- You can explain when passing on the right is allowed.
- You can help another driver pass you safely.
What you need to know and understand
- A broken yellow line on your side of the center means you may pass when it is safe.
- A solid yellow line on your side, or double solid yellow lines, means do not pass.
- A yellow pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road marks the start of a no-passing zone.
- Do not pass near hills, curves, intersections, railroad crossings or a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
- California bans passing within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing.
- You may not exceed the speed limit while passing.
- When passing a bicyclist, California requires at least three feet of space.
Before you decide to pass
Ask yourself whether the pass is really needed and whether it is legal here. Then check the road ahead for oncoming traffic, side roads, driveways and the end of the passing zone. You must finish the pass before the no-passing zone begins.
- Is the center line broken on my side?
- Can I see far enough ahead with no hill or curve in the way?
- Is there an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing coming up?
- Can I pass without going over the speed limit?
How to pass safely
- Keep a good following distance so you can see past the vehicle ahead.
- Check mirrors and glance over your left shoulder.
- Signal left and move out smoothly.
- Accelerate within the speed limit and pass without lingering beside the vehicle.
- When you can see the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror, signal right.
- Return to your lane and cancel the signal.
Passing on the right and being passed
Passing on the right is allowed only in limited cases. These include when the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room without leaving the pavement, on roads with two or more lanes going your way, and on one-way streets. Never use a bike lane or the shoulder to pass.
When someone is passing you, stay in your lane, keep right and do not speed up. Slowing slightly helps them get back in sooner. Oregon law bars drivers from flashing signals to tell others when to pass.
Common mistakes
- Starting a pass you cannot finish before a no-passing zone. If you are not sure, do not go.
- Cutting back in too soon. Wait until the passed vehicle shows in your rearview mirror.
- Speeding up when someone is passing you. Hold or reduce your speed to let them in.
- Passing on the shoulder or in a bike lane. This is illegal and dangerous.
- Passing a car that has stopped for a pedestrian. Assume it stopped for a reason.
Test yourself: Passing and overtaking
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: California Driver Handbook, Navigating the Roads (dmv.ca.gov); Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027, Passing and Pavement Markings (oregon.gov/odot); Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition, sign shapes (FHWA). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your state DMV.