The law requires that we drive on the right side of the road. When we are allowed to pass other vehicles, we usually pass on the left. You are permitted to pass on the right only in certain circumstances and it must be done only when necessary and safe. When you pass other vehicles or change lanes to keep away from hazards, do so with caution and only when necessary. You must not exceed the speed limit to pass another vehicle. 

When you pass a motorcycle, remember to give the motorcycle the same full-lane width as other vehicles are allowed. Never move into the same lane space as a motorcycle, even if the lane is wide and the motorcycle is to one side. 

The law requires you to use turn signal lamps or hand and arm signals to indicate your intention to change lanes at least 100 feet (30 m) before you make a lane change. You must never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to go across. 

## HOW TO PASS ON THE LEFT 

The left lane is normally used to pass other vehicles. You cannot pass a vehicle on the left if: 

• Your lane has a solid yellow center line. 

• You cannot safely return to the right lane before you reach a solid yellow center line for the right lane. 

• You cannot safely return to the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet (60 m) of you. 

• You approach a curve or the top of a hill on a two-way road and cannot see around or over it. 

• You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a railroad crossing on a two-way roadway. 

• You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a bridge, tunnel or viaduct on a two-way road and your view is obstructed. 

## CHAPTER 6 / HOW TO PASS 

• If you try to pass, you will interfere with oncoming traffic. 

If conditions are correct to pass, check in your mirrors and signal your lane change. Before you pull into the left lane, look quickly over your left shoulder, through the back side window, to make sure there is no vehicle close behind you in the left lane. Never depend on your mirrors when you prepare to change lanes. Even correctly adjusted mirrors will leave “blind spots” behind both sides of your vehicle. If a vehicle is in the blind spot, you may not see it in your mirrors. Always quickly look over your shoulder before you change lanes or pass. 

When you pass, move completely into the left lane. Before you return to the right lane, signal and look at your interior rear-view mirror and make sure you can see the front bumper of the vehicle you passed. Look quickly over your right shoulder to make sure that you can safely move into that lane without crowding the vehicle you passed. Then return to the right lane. 

## HOW TO PASS ON THE RIGHT 

Although you normally pass other vehicles on the left, some situations allow you to pass on the right. You can pass a vehicle on the right only in the conditions listed below and only if you can pass safely. You cannot drive on or across the shoulder or edge line of the road unless a sign allows it or when indicated by a traffic officer (see Chapter 4). You can pass on the right: 

• When a vehicle ahead makes a left turn. 

• When you are on a two-way road that is marked for two or more lanes or is wide enough for two or more lanes in each direction and passing is not prohibited by signs or restricted by parked cars or other obstructions. 

• When you drive on a one-way road that is marked for two or more lanes or is wide enough for two or more lanes, and to pass is not prohibited by signs or restricted by parked cars or other obstructions. 

