Overtaking & Passing

Before pulling out: check your mirror and do a shoulder check (blind spot) — you must not endanger or obstruct traffic behind, and not endanger oncoming traffic.

If the vehicle ahead is indicating right, don't overtake it — it may be about to turn.

Your overtaking speed must be appreciably higher than the vehicle you're passing, but must never exceed the legal maximum. Signal before pulling out, and signal again before pulling back in. End the manoeuvre by moving back to the right as soon as possible, without inconveniencing the vehicle you just passed.

• Whenever the traffic situation is unclear
• Where oncoming traffic could be obstructed
• At pedestrian crossings
• Anywhere visibility is poor

Trap: one-way streets have no blanket overtaking ban — a common wrong assumption.

Extra-large clearance is specifically required for motorcycles and bicycles. If you're the one being overtaken: keep right, and don't increase your speed.

Overtake a tram on the right by default. Left is only allowed: in a one-way street, when the tracks run too far to the right, or when the road to the right of the tram is blocked.

Horse-drawn carriages: give maximum side clearance, keep noise and speed low, and watch for the driver's raised-arm turn signal since there are no indicator lights.

Driving a slow vehicle with a queue forming behind you: let following traffic pass when you safely can — pull over and stop if that's the only way to let them by.