Overtaking is a traffic situation where the overtaking vehicle passes the vehicle in front, and when doing so, must overtake on the left-hand side (except in cases prescribed by the Road Traffic Law). It is not uncommon to witness unsafe and illegal overtaking maneuvers, or even reckless driving, when on the road.
According to Clauses 1 and 2, Article 14 of the Law on Order and Safety Regulations for Road, Rail, Inland Waterway, and Urban Transport, overtaking is a traffic situation where, on a one-lane road, the vehicle behind moves to the left to pass the vehicle in front.
On roads with two or more lanes for motor vehicles in the same direction, separated by lane markings, the vehicle behind moves ahead of the vehicle in front by following the rules for lane usage.
Thus, when overtaking, vehicles must pass on the left (except in two cases where overtaking on the right is permitted: when the vehicle in front indicates or is turning left; and when a specialized vehicle is working on the road and cannot be overtaken on the left). At the same time, the following conditions must be met:
– The overtaking vehicle must signal with flashing lights or a horn, except for non-motorized vehicles without lights and horns;
– When overtaking, directional signals must be used, ensuring a safe distance from vehicles in front and behind throughout the overtaking process;
– In urban areas and residential areas between 10 pm and 5 am, only lights can be used to signal an intention to overtake.
In addition to the no-overtaking signs P.125 and P.126, and in accordance with Article 14 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law, drivers are prohibited from overtaking in the following cases, even if there are no no-overtaking signs:
– On a narrow bridge with a single lane;
– On a curve with limited visibility;
– On a two-way road at the top of a hill with limited visibility;
– At road intersections and level crossings;
– When weather or road conditions do not ensure safety for overtaking;
– When encountering a priority vehicle;
– In pedestrian crossings;
– When there are pedestrians or disabled people in wheelchairs crossing the road;
– In road tunnels;
– When the conditions prescribed in Clause 3, Article 14 are not met, including three cases: The overtaking vehicle can only overtake when there are no obstacles ahead, no oncoming traffic in the overtaking lane, the vehicle in front does not signal to overtake another vehicle, and has signaled to turn right and move to the right.
Driving a car and overtaking in situations where it is prohibited will result in heavy fines according to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP.
Specifically, according to Clause 5, Article 6 of Decree 168, the act of driving a car and overtaking in prohibited situations, overtaking in sections with “no overtaking” signs, failing to signal before overtaking or not using signals throughout the overtaking process, and overtaking on the right in unauthorized cases will result in a fine of VND 4-6 million and a deduction of 2 points on the driver’s license.
Additionally, if overtaking in violation of regulations causes a traffic accident, the driver will be fined VND 20-22 million and deducted 10 points on their driver’s license, according to Clauses 10 and 16, Article 6 of Decree 168.
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