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There are numerous rules of the road to remember, including those regarding passing. Each state has specific rules for passing. However, the states also share some similarities. Learn more about the general passing laws, along with the penalties for each state.
First, though, go over the general types of passing.
General Types of Passing
When you’re on the road, you’ll encounter lots of different types of passing. The rules differ based on the situation.
First, assume that you’re driving on a highway that has several lanes going in the same direction. You’ll need to move to the left lane to overtake the vehicle. Once you’ve created a safe distance, go back to the right lane.
Passing is a bit more complicated when driving on a highway with one lane going in each direction. You’ll have to cross the centerline, moving into oncoming traffic, to overtake a vehicle. Passing the vehicle and moving back into your lane before you’re within 100 feet of oncoming traffic is critical for your safety, as well as the safety of other motorists.
Regardless of the road you’re on, never pass when it’s illegal to do so. That means you should not pass when:
· The road has a solid yellow line
· A no-passing zone or yellow line is close, and you’re unlikely to make it back to your lane before reaching it
· A school bus is unloading or loading
· Your view is limited due to weather, a hill, or curve
Now, let’s look at how you should pass a car.
How Should You Pass a Car?
If you come upon a car that’s driving slowly, you can pass, but you need to follow some steps. First, evaluate your surroundings for hazards. Also, turn your head to make sure there aren’t vehicles in your blind spot.
If you’re going to move into oncoming traffic to pass, make sure there is ample space. Keep in mind that you can’t see oncoming traffic over hills, so make sure the road is flat to allow you to check your surroundings.
Once you’re sure the road is clear, engage your turn signal so motorists will know your intentions. Then, move into the left lane, building your speed to overtake the vehicle. Keep in mind that if you have to go over the speed limit to pass, you should not do so. You are still obligated to follow traffic laws, including speed limits.
While you need to focus on the road ahead while passing, you also need to glance at your mirrors in case other cars have followed you into the passing lane.
After you overtake the car, you’ll be ready to return to your lane. First, check your rearview mirror. You should be able to see the car you passed in it. If you can’t, you’re still too close, so get some additional distance.
Then, engage your turn signal once again and move into the previous lane. Maintain your speed so you don’t slow down the traffic behind you and turn off your turn signal. Then, continue driving to your destination.
Next, let’s explore the rules for passing into oncoming traffic.
Rules for Passing Into Oncoming Traffic
There are specific rules for passing into oncoming traffic. First, you need to follow the 100 feet rule.
The 100 Feet Rule
You are required to keep a minimum distance of 100 feet from oncoming traffic when passing. That means you should not pass a car if oncoming traffic is already within 100 feet. It will likely get closer while you’re passing, so wait until the road is clear.
Don’t Pass When Your View Is Obstructed
Viaducts, tunnels, and bridges can obstruct your view. Because of that, you cannot pass when within 100 feet of them. Many people prefer to leave even more distance to ensure safe passing.
Also, curves and crests of a grade on the road can obstruct your view. Refrain from passing when driving up hills or around curves so you don’t end up encountering traffic in the oncoming lane.
You also need to be mindful of no passing zones.
No Passing Zones
If you spend much time on the road, you can expect to encounter some no passing zones. No passing zones are generally marked with solid yellow lines that indicate you cannot cross to the next lane to pass. Also, you might see a yellow sign that’s shaped like a pendant that states that you are in a no passing zone.
These zones are set up for your safety. The visibility is normally low in these zones, so you could get in a head-on collision if you attempt to overtake a vehicle.
You know you can’t pass in no passing zones, but what about on the right? Is it ever legal to pass on the right?
Is Passing on the Right Ever Allowed?
In almost all cases, passing on the left is the legal option. However, there are some circumstances when you can pass on the right, but always take special care when doing so.
First, you can pass on the right if the car in front of you is turning left, as long as there is ample room.
You are also allowed to pass on the right when there is a hazard on the road. For instance, if you encounter a downed tree branch, you can move to the right to overtake it.
Finally, if you are driving on a multi-lane road with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, you can overtake slow-driving cars from the right if needed. In many states, driving in the left lane of a multi-lane road is against the law. Instead, these lanes are only used for passing. However, some drivers break the law and stay in the lane, going under the speed limit.
If it is safe to overtake them from the left, you can. However, since you won’t travel in the left lane after overtaking the vehicle, this isn’t technically passing. You’ll remain on the right after moving past the car.
If you break the law, you might receive an unsafe passing ticket. The ticket penalties vary by state.
Penalties for Unsafe Driving
| State | Ticket/Fine | Points on License | Additional Penalties |
| Alabama | $190 in fines and fees | Four pointsFive points for passing a parked school bus | |
| Alaska | $150 | Four points | |
| Arizona | Up to $2,500 plus an 84 percent surcharge | Eight points | Possible probation or up to six months in jail |
| Arkansas | $150 | ||
| California | $238 | One point | |
| Colorado | $15-$100, plus court costs and surcharges | Four points | |
| Connecticut | $137 | Three pointsFour points for passing a parked school bus | |
| Delaware | |||
| District of Columbia | $100 | Up to three points | |
| Florida | Up to $500 | Three pointsFour points if an accident occurs | Possible traffic school |
| Georgia | Up to $1,000 | Three points | |
| Hawaii | Up to $1,000 | Up to three points | Possible sentence of 30 days in jail |
| Idaho | Up to $1,000 | Two pointsFour points for passing a parked school bus | Up to six months in jail30-day license suspension |
| Illinois | $150 | 20 points | |
| Indiana | |||
| Iowa | $100$35 surcharge | ||
| Kansas | $75 | No point system | |
| Kentucky | $20-$100 | Five points | |
| Louisiana | $200 | No points system | |
| Maine | $50 | Six points | |
| Maryland | $90 | One point | |
| Massachusetts | Two points | ||
| Michigan | $135 | Three points | |
| Minnesota | $50 | No point system | |
| Mississippi | $173 | No point system | |
| Missouri | $150-$750 | Two points | |
| Montana | $90 | Two points | |
| Nebraska | $25 | Two pointsThree points for passing a parked school bus | |
| Nevada | $305 | Four points | |
| New Hampshire | Four points | ||
| New Jersey | $50-$200 plus court costs | Four points | |
| New Mexico | $10 | Three points | |
| New York | Up to $150 | Three points | |
| North Carolina | At the court’s discretion | Four pointsFive points for passing a parked school bus | |
| North Dakota | |||
| Ohio | Up to $150 | Two points | Up to 30 hours of community service |
| Oklahoma | |||
| Oregon | $135-$1,000 | No point system | |
| Pennsylvania | $25 | Three to four points | |
| Rhode Island | |||
| South Carolina | $232.50 | Four pointsSix points for passing a parked school bus | |
| South Dakota | $120 with surcharges and fees | Four points | |
| Tennessee | $146.50 | Four points | |
| Texas | Up to $1080 for passing a stopped school bus | Two points | |
| Utah | $130 | 50 points | |
| Vermont | $156-$214 | Three pointsFive points for passing a parked school bus | |
| Virginia | $30$51 processing fee | Four points | |
| Washington | $124-$394 | No point system | |
| West Virginia | Three pointsSix points for passing a parked school bus | ||
| Wisconsin | $213-$326 | Three points | |
| Wyoming |
What to Do If You Get a Ticket for Unsafe Passing
Did you get traffic for unsafe passing, and now, you’re worried about the expensive fines and points on your license? If you’re found guilty, your insurance rates could go up. Also, the points on your license could push you over the limit, causing your license to be suspended.
Fortunately, you can fight back without putting in any work with Winit. You’ll simply upload your ticket and the details, and the system will match you with a lawyer to represent you. If you’re still found guilty, you won’t pay Winit a thing. However, if your ticket is totally dismissed, you’ll only pay the service 50 percent of the proposed fine.
Protect Your Driving Record
Follow the rules of the road to avoid unsafe passing tickets. However, if you do get a ticket, consider fighting back with Winit. That way, you might be able to avoid the penalties, including high insurance rates.
