Rules of the road

Passing & Overtaking

When and how to pass safely, and when passing is prohibited.

Never pass within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover or bridge, never pass a moving snow plow, and follow the same four-step check-signal-pass-return procedure everywhere passing is legal.

Passing is a decision with a hard legal boundary, not just a judgment call: several locations prohibit it outright, and the handbook sets a specific procedure for everywhere else.

Key facts

Passing is not permitted within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover, or within 30 metres of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel when it would cross the centreline.
You must never pass a moving snow plow under any conditions.

Know where passing is prohibited outright

Passing within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover is not permitted, and passing to the left of a centreline is not permitted within 30 metres of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel. Avoid changing lanes in or near an intersection even where it is not explicitly signed.

Never pass a moving snow plow under any conditions, and never begin a pass approaching a hilltop or curve where you cannot see far enough ahead to confirm the oncoming lane is clear for the whole manoeuvre.

Follow the same procedure every time

Before pulling out, signal your intent and confirm the passing lane is clear both ahead and behind you. Watch specifically for cyclists, hidden vehicles, a vehicle about to turn left ahead of you, and pedestrians who might step into your path.

Complete the lane change only after confirming it is safe, then return to your original lane only once you can see the vehicle you passed fully in your rearview mirror, not just alongside your vehicle.

Know when to abandon a pass

If the vehicle ahead speeds up while you are attempting to pass, abandon the attempt and return to your lane rather than trying to force the manoeuvre through. Spending a few extra seconds behind a slower vehicle is routinely safer than completing a marginal pass.

At night, only attempt a pass when the way is completely clear, since headlight glare and reduced depth perception make judging an oncoming vehicle’s speed and distance far less reliable than in daylight.

Common mistakes

Passing within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover because no vehicle is visibly using it.
Beginning a pass near a hilltop or curve with limited sight distance ahead.
Returning to the original lane as soon as the passed vehicle is alongside, rather than waiting to see it in the mirror.
Continuing a pass after the vehicle ahead accelerates instead of abandoning it.