Overtaking can be dangerous. When overtaking, make sure you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and use your indicator to signal your intentions to other drivers.

Overtaking on the left

Permitted when:

• driving on a multi-lane road;

• directed by an authorised person (e.g. police officer);

• the vehicle(s) in the right lane is stationary and it is safe to do so;

• a vehicle is indicating that it is turning right or making a U-turn. 

Overtaking on the right

This is permitted when you’re both travelling in the same direction and you are not crossing a continuous white line.

Overtaking a vehicle on the right is NOT permitted:

• at a railway, pedestrian or children’s crossing;

• at an intersection;

• where there is a ‘no overtaking’ sign;

• where there are single or double continuous centre lines;

• where you do not have a clear view of approaching traffic.

Motorists are required to overtake cyclists at a safe distance. It is recommended that cyclists are overtaken by at least a metre up to 70km/h and two metres at higher speeds.

If you’re being overtaken - keep left; don’t increase your speed; and don’t prevent the vehicle from overtaking you.