Overtaking and Undertaking Rules in Northern Ireland
Understand when you may overtake, when passing on the left is permitted and the situations where overtaking is prohibited or unsafe.
Make sure there is enough clear road and enough space to return.
Before overtaking, check that the road ahead is sufficiently clear, that nobody is already overtaking you and that there is a suitable gap in front of the vehicle you intend to pass.
Passing on the left is allowed only in limited situations.
The Highway Code says you may pass on the left where the vehicle ahead is signalling to turn right and there is room to do so.
In slow-moving queues, if traffic in the lane to your right is moving more slowly, you may continue in your own lane and pass on the left. Do not weave between lanes simply to overtake.
Some overtaking situations are specifically prohibited.
You must not overtake where doing so would require crossing certain solid double white lines, entering restricted lanes during operating hours or passing after a No Overtaking sign before the restriction ends.
Do not overtake where you cannot see far enough ahead.
- Avoid overtaking near bends or brows of hills where the road ahead is hidden.
- Avoid overtaking at or near junctions where conflict with turning traffic is possible.
- Do not force another road user to slow down or change direction.
- Give cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders plenty of room.
