You are driving in the middle lane on a three-lane expressway. A car begins to pass you on the right. The actions of that driver are:
Wrong because “pass to the left” is a firm rule.
Wrong because they are passing you in your blind spot.
Fine, as long as it is done on a limited-access highway.
Fine, as long as no signs forbid passing on the right.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Fine, as long as no signs forbid passing on the right.
Explanation:
In most places, traffic laws typically allow vehicles to pass on the right when driving on multi-lane roads, as long as it is done safely and there are no signs that prohibit such actions. When driving on an expressway with multiple lanes in the same direction, the middle lane is often considered a general-purpose lane, and it is not uncommon for vehicles to pass slower vehicles on either the left or the right, depending on the traffic flow.
However, passing on the right is only permitted when certain conditions are met:
- No Restrictions: There should be no road signs or laws that prohibit passing on the right. Some highways may have signs that specifically restrict this action, so it is important to pay attention to any signage that could change the rules.
- Safe Passing: The driver passing on the right must ensure there is enough space to do so safely. Passing in the right lane requires the driver to be cautious, as there might be vehicles merging from on-ramps, slower vehicles in the right lane, or other hazards that could cause an unsafe situation.
- Blind Spots and Awareness: When another vehicle is passing you on the right, make sure to check your blind spot and adjust your speed or position if necessary. Although passing on the right is legal in many circumstances, it can sometimes put drivers in potentially hazardous situations, especially if they are not aware of a vehicle’s position in their blind spot.
- Limited-Access Highways: On some expressways and limited-access highways, passing on the right is explicitly allowed due to the design of the road. In this case, passing on the right is usually fine as long as the conditions of safe driving are met.
In conclusion, as long as there are no specific signs or regulations prohibiting it, and the pass is done safely, passing on the right is generally legal.