Overtaking can be dangerous. When overtaking, make sure you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and use your indicator to signal your intentions to other drivers.
It is illegal to speed up or otherwise prevent someone from overtaking you.
Overtaking on the left
Permitted when:
- Driving on a multi-lane road.
- Directed by an authorised person such as a police officer.
- The vehicle(s) in the right lane is stationary and it is safe to do so.
- A vehicle is indicating that it is turning right or making a U-turn.
Overtaking on the right
This is permitted when you’re both travelling in the same direction and you are not crossing a continuous white line.
Overtaking a vehicle on the right is NOT permitted when:
- At a railway, pedestrian or children’s crossing.
- At an intersection.
- There is a ‘no overtaking’ sign.
- There are single or double continuous centre lines.
- You do not have a clear view of approaching traffic.
Motorists should only overtake a cyclist when there is a clear view of the road ahead and if there’s enough space for you to pass. You may legally cross continuous white lines to safely pass a cyclist.
Remember: When travelling on roads with a speed limit up to 60km/h, allow 1 metre between your vehicle and the cyclist to pass safely;
When travelling on roads with a speed limit over 60km/h, allow 1.5 metres to pass a cyclist.
Failing to overtake at a safe distance
Overtaking at a railway/pedestrian/children’s crossing
Overtaking on continuous white line
It is illegal to exceed the speed limit when overtaking – Penalty varies.
Failing to overtake a cyclist allowing a passing distance of 1 metre (up to 60km/h) 1.5 metres (over 60km/h)
It is illegal to speed up or otherwise prevent someone from overtaking you.
