Overtaking rules in the Philippines every driver must know

Every driver you encounter on the road is different; some drive fast while others drive slow, and the latter can be classified as either just starting out just being cautious.

Slow drivers also present the temptation for you to overtake, especially when you feel like your momentum needs to be sustained. While it’s not illegal, there are inherent risks to overtaking if not executed properly.

Improper overtaking maneuvers can result in accidents

Safe overtaking or passing works both ways, which means that the person overtaking and the driver being overtaken both have set rules or guidelines to follow. Learn about overtaking rules gathered by Philkotse.com that will enable you to literally get ahead safely, without risk to yourself or everyone else.

1. Overtaking rules

Passing a car in front of you is easier if you are driving on expressways since the area is wide and free from pedestrians so that there will be no accident. On the other hand, provincial, city, and town roads are much narrower with people crossing or walking nearby. That said, keep in mind the following pointers at all times.

2. Before Overtaking

Since there are two parties involve in overtaking, carefully assess the situation. Make sure that there is no car behind you attempting to overtake as well; do so by checking your mirrors and blindsides.

Also, as you will be using the opposite side of the road, you should see if there is no oncoming traffic, blind curve or pedestrian lane first. You will also need to check if there is sufficient space for you to go back into your lane once you have successfully completed the maneuver.

3. How to overtake safely

When you have determined that conditions are right to execute the maneuver:

• Communicate your intentions to the driver in front of you by using your signal light, then honking your horn, or flashing your headlights.
• When given the signal to proceed, gradually shift to the left; overtaking on the right side of the road is not allowed. Accelerate by stepping on the gas.
• Once you have cleared the vehicle you are overtaking, promptly signal your intention to merge back into your lane, making sure that there is still enough distance between you and the vehicle behind. Do not reduce speed or suddenly brake after merging, as the vehicle behind might rear-end you. 

If you are the one being overtaken, here are the things you should do:   

• Respond to the other driver’s signal through a hand signal or lightly tapping your horn in acknowledgment. 
• Once the other car starts to speed up, slow down or maintain your speed.

Allow the overtaking car to safely merge back into the lane

>>> Read more: How to drive when your car brakes are malfunctioned.

4. When NOT to overtake

Now that you know when to overtake a car is, you should also remember when not to do it, the most obvious being when there is a “No Overtaking” sign ahead. Overtaking is also prohibited on bridges, when approaching bends, crests, or dips.

These areas won’t have enough room for you to maneuver, making the attempt very risky. Likewise, overtaking is also unsafe on intersections, blind curves, and in the middle of turning a corner.

Never overtake on a blind curve

Pay attention to road markings, as overtaking is not allowed on roads with two parallel yellow lines in the middle. Additionally, you also shouldn’t overtake when there is one continuous dividing line to the left unless the line closest to you is broken.

>>> Check out: 5 steps to safely drive through sharply curved roads.

5. Overtaking isn’t bad

Overtaking is something that can’t be helped since there are times when you just need to get ahead of the car in front of you. When summing up overtaking rules, it boils down to being conscious about your safety and that of everyone else around you, by being mindful of your surroundings.

A proper overtaking maneuver also requires knowledge of different road markings and signs and a lot of patience. Lastly, if you are the one being overtaken, you must also be gracious enough to let the other car pass you by; it’s not a race after all. Remember to always drive safely and patiently!