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Understanding The Rules of Overtaking

<p></p><div class="__editor_html"><p>Overtaking is one of the more dangerous aspects of driving and therefore there are strict rulings about how overtaking must be done. This guide will ensure you have a complete understanding of the overtaking rules as well as some additional tips to keep safe while overtaking or while being overtaken.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Let’s start with the rules:</p>
<h2>Overtaking – What Is It?</h2>
<p>Overtaking is when one vehicle passes the <strong>other vehicle</strong> going in the same direction, typically because the vehicle in front is moving slower. This involves moving out of your lane especially from a <strong>multi lane road</strong>, usually to the right and to get ahead and then safely turning to your original lane. In Australia, <strong>overtaking a vehicle</strong> must be done only when it’s safe and legal.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to Overtake Safely</h2>
<p>To overtake safely, you need clear visibility, enough space, and confidence in your vehicle’s ability to accelerate and return to the original, mostly <strong>left lane</strong> without cutting anyone off. Always check your side and rear mirrors, signal your indicators, and ensure the road ahead is clear of any<strong> congested traffic </strong>for the full distance needed. Don’t tailgate before overtaking, do not increase <strong>speed limit</strong> beyond permissible, and leave a safe space before you go. Always return to your lane smoothly and only once when you see the overtaken vehicle in your rear-view mirror.</p>
<h2>When You Must Never Overtake</h2>
<p>There are situations where overtaking is strictly prohibited due to high risk.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>When approaching or crossing pedestrian crossings.</li>
<li>On bends where visibility is limited.</li>
<li>Near intersections, railway crossings, or bridges.</li>
<li>In school zones and any <strong>marked lane</strong> during active hours.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Basic Overtaking Road Rules</h2>
<h3>Before Overtaking</h3>
<p>Before overtaking, always check your surroundings. Use your mirror and check your head for blind spots. Signal your intention early with an <strong>overtaking sign</strong> and assess whether you have enough distance and time to overtake without speeding or cutting off other vehicles.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Also, ensure no <strong>oncoming traffic</strong> is approaching and that road signs allow for overtaking in that area.</p>
<h3>Overtaking on the Left</h3>
<p>Overtaking on the <strong>left lane</strong> is only legal in limited situations. Mainly when the vehicle in front is turning right or when driving on a multi-lane road where lanes are clearly marked, do not attempt to overtake on the left on a single-lane road unless allowed. Always stay aware of cyclists and pedestrians near the curb.</p>
<h3>Overtaking Long Vehicles</h3>
<p>Long and <strong>heavy vehicles</strong> like trucks and buses require more time and space to overtake safely. Start from a further position to give yourself a better view and more acceleration room, but within the speed limit. Make sure the road ahead is completely clear for a longer stretch than usual. Avoid staying in the truck’s blind spot, especially alongside the doors immediately in front. Only return to your lane once you see both headlights of the truck in your rearview mirror.</p>
<h2>Keeping Left Rules</h2>
<p>There are slight differences in the Keep Left rule depending on the state of Australia you are driving in.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p><strong>State/Territory</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Speed Limit for Keeping Left</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Exceptions to Keeping Left</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>NSW</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Above 80km/h</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Overtaking, turning right, making U-turns, avoiding obstructions, designated vehicle lanes</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>QLD</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Above 90km/h</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Overtaking, turning right, making U-turns, avoiding obstructions, congested traffic, overtaking on the left on multi-lane roads</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>VIC</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Above 80km/h</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Overtaking, turning right, congested lanes, adjacent to a transit lane</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>SA</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>80km/h or more</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>No explicit signage is required, general practice is to keep left</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>WA</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Above 90km/h</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Overtaking, making U-turns, avoiding obstructions, right lane not for turning, special use lanes</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>NT</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Above 80km/h</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Overtaking, making U-turns, avoiding obstructions,&nbsp;</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>ACT</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Above 80km/h</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Overtaking,</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>TAS</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Above 80km/h</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Overtaking, regardless of signage</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Can You Legally Overtake a Truck?</h2>
<p>You are legally allowed to overtake a truck if you are driving following all of the traffic laws outlined above.</p>
<p>However, it is important to know that there is a larger risk factor associated with overtaking a truck due to its size and inability to adjust its speed and direction as quickly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, it is important to know that there is a larger risk factor associated with overtaking a truck due to its size and inability to adjust its speed and direction as quickly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here are some things to consider when overtaking a truck or other large vehicle:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Stopping Distances</strong><br>
<p>Trucks take significantly longer to stop than a car due to their weight. If you overtake a truck ensure you do not cut off the truck as you re-enter the lane</p>
</li>
<li><strong>Blind Spots</strong><br>
<p>Trucks almost always have much larger blind spots than cars due to their size. It’s important to know where these blind spots are so the truck driver is aware of you.</p>
</li>
<li>Directly in front of the truck and approximately 30 feet in front of it</li>
<li>Directly behind the truck and approximately 30 feet behind it</li>
<li>Directly beside the truck’s left door</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em>Tip:</em></strong><em> If you are unable to see the truck’s mirrors, they are unable to see you!</em></p>
<h3>Safety Tips for Overtaking Trucks</h3>
<p>Now that we have covered the risks, let’s look at some additional safety tips:</p>
<ul>
<li>Ensure that the lane you plan to use for overtaking is clear for a large distance. It takes approximately 25 seconds to overtake a truck, which is a long time and a large distance.</li>
<li>Before starting the overtaking maneuver check the truck’s indicator lights. If they are indicating then wait.&nbsp;</li>
<li>In wet conditions be aware of the spray back from the truck, the increased stopping time and reduced visibility.</li>
<li>On a downhill, the truck’s speed will likely increase so take this into account.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3>Can You Exceed the Speed Limit When Overtaking?</h3>
<p>No, it is always illegal to exceed the speed limit regardless of the situation. There can be quite severe penalties for speeding and you will almost always be found to be at fault for an accident if you are speeding.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://online.fines.vic.gov.au/Your-options/Fine-amounts-and-demerit-points" target="_blank">Victoria Speeding Fines</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/demerits-penalties-and-offences/offences/search-offences-and-penalties?category=Speeding&amp;type=" target="_blank">New South Wales Speeding Fines</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.qld.gov.au/about/newsroom/increased-penalties-for-dangerous-driving-behaviours" target="_blank">Queensland Speeding Fines</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/roadrules/offences-and-penalties" target="_blank">South Australia Speeding Fines</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/speeding#offences-and-penalties" target="_blank">Western Australia Speeding Fines</a></li>
<li><a href="https://nt.gov.au/driving/driving-offences-and-penalties/traffic-offences-and-penalties" target="_blank">Northern Territory Speeding Fines</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.police.act.gov.au/road-safety/traffic-fines" target="_blank">Australian Capital Territory Speeding Fines</a></li>
<li><a href="https://speedcameras.tas.gov.au/penalties_and_infringements" target="_blank">Tasmania Speeding Fines</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Can You Use a Bus Lane to Overtake?</h2>
<p>Yes, you are allowed to use a bus lane to overtake as long as the vehicle is turning right or making a U-turn, as long as you travel no more than 100m in the bus lane.</p>
<p>There are strict rules around the usage of bus lanes and you are only allowed to enter and use a bus lane in specific circumstances.</p>
<p>These are:</p>
<ul>
<li>When you are required to enter or leave to another road or property over the bus lane.</li>
<li>To overtake a vehicle that is turning right or using the centre of the road to make a U-turn.</li>
<li>To avoid an obstruction.</li>
</ul>
<p>The 100m limit applies to all of the above.</p>
<h2>Can You Overtake on a Broken White Centre Line?</h2>
<p>Yes, you can overtake a broken white central line (also called a broken white dividing line). These lines allow you to cross the line to overtake, leave the road or make a U-turn when it is safe to do so.</p>
<h2>Can You Overtake on the Left?</h2>
<p>No, overtaking on the left (or curbside) is generally not allowed unless the vehicle in front is turning right or you’re driving on a multi-lane road with marked lanes.</p>
<h2>Can I Overtake on the Right?</h2>
<p>Yes, overtaking on the right is the standard for overtaking in Australia. You must keep left as discussed previously in this guide until you plan to overtake and it is safe to do so.</p>
<h2>What Must You Do When Overtaking a Motorcyclist?</h2>
<p>The risk of injury and accidents in general is much higher with motorcyclists so greater care must be taken when overtaking them.</p>
<p>They are much more unstable and are affected by wind and road conditions to a much greater degree than cars or trucks</p>
<img alt="Overtaking a motorbike" height="1" src="https://www.right2drive.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Overtaking-Motorbike.jpg" title="" resizable="false">
<p>Here are some helpful safety tips when overtaking a motorcycle:</p>
<ul>
<li>Check your blind spots more carefully</li>
<li>Leave a larger gap when overtaking&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>If you are a motorcyclist and have been involved in a not-at-fault accident we have launched a new </strong><a href="https://www.right2drive.com.au/articles/right2drive-launches-new-accident-replacement-motorcycle-service"><strong>accident replacement motorcyclist service</strong></a><strong>, which you can read more about.</strong></p>
<h3>What Should You Do When Someone Overtakes You?</h3>
<p>As a driver being overtaken by another vehicle, it is your responsibility to:</p>
<ul>
<li>If it’s safe, stay to the left to provide ample room for the overtaking vehicle.</li>
<li>Remain within your lane.</li>
<li>Refrain from accelerating until the overtaking vehicle has fully passed and re-entered the lane or traffic flow.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Overtaking is a normal part of driving, but it carries risk if not done correctly. Knowing when and how to overtake legally and safely can prevent serious accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly. Remember the rules: do not exceed the <strong>speed limit</strong>, give indicators, and only overtake when visibility and road markings allow it. Stay alert and understand that sometimes it is safer to wait to overtake. These rules will not only help you avoid fines but also protect everyone on the road</p>
<h2>FAQs</h2>
<h3>Can You Legally Overtake a Truck on a Two-Lane Road?</h3>
<p>Yes, you can overtake a truck on a two-lane road if it is safe, legal, and the centre line allows it. You must ensure full visibility, give indicators properly and leave enough room to re-enter the lane safely. Overtaking a truck takes more time and space. Never attempt it near curves or intersections. Avoid overtaking in marginal gaps just to gain a few seconds, and remember that overtaking signs are among the <strong>most misunderstood road rules</strong>.</p>
<h3>What Are the Penalties for Illegal Overtaking in Australia?</h3>
<p>Penalties vary by state, but illegal overtaking can result in a fine or even license suspension. Overtaking dangerously or causing a collision could result in harsher penalties, including criminal charges. Always follow road signs and only overtake when it is legal and safe.</p>
<h3>How Do You Know If It’s Safe to Overtake a Long Vehicle?</h3>
<p>It is safe when there is a clear view of the road ahead for a few hundred metres, there is no <strong>oncoming traffic</strong>, enough acceleration power to complete the overtake, and no solid centre line or no overtaking sign. If any of these are missing, do not attempt to overtake. It is safer to wait.</p>
<h3>Can You Be Fined for Overtaking Without Indicating?</h3>
<p>Yes, failing to signal while overtaking is considered a traffic offence. Indicators are essential for informing other drivers of your intentions. If you overtake without indicating, you can be fined and may receive demerit points. This simple action reduces confusion and helps prevent accidents.</p>
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