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:
Passing on the right is generally permissible, but it depends on the circumstances. In many areas, passing on the right is allowed under certain conditions, particularly on multi-lane roads or expressways where traffic is moving in the same direction. The law typically permits passing on the right when:
- The driver in the left lane is moving slower than the vehicle in the middle or right lane, and it’s not practical to pass on the left.
- There is more than one lane in the direction of travel, such as on expressways or highways.
On an expressway with multiple lanes in each direction, it is common for vehicles to pass on the right, especially when the left lane is occupied or slower-moving vehicles are blocking it. The important condition is that no signs prohibit passing on the right.
However, there are restrictions:
- Passing on the right may not be allowed in certain situations, such as when there’s an obstructed view or if a specific traffic sign indicates that passing on the right is not allowed. For example, in some jurisdictions, passing on the right may be forbidden when there are signs that indicate only left-lane passing or in areas with heavy traffic congestion where lane changes are restricted.
- Safety considerations: While legal, passing on the right can be riskier because it may occur in a driver’s blind spot, or it might involve a lane change that is unexpected for other drivers. It is important to signal and ensure the lane is clear before passing on the right.
Thus, as long as no road signs prohibit it and the maneuver can be safely executed, passing on the right is typically acceptable on multi-lane highways.