Overtaking

When overtaking, make sure you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and use your indicator to signal your intentions to other drivers.

You must not exceed the speed limit. It is illegal to speed up or otherwise prevent someone from overtaking you.

Overtaking on the left

You are permitted to overtake on the left when:

• driving on a multi-lane road;
• directed by an authorised person (e.g. police officer);
• the vehicle(s) in the right lane is stationary and it is safe to do so; and
• a vehicle is indicating that it is turning right or making a U-turn.

Overtaking on the right

This is permitted when both vehicles are travelling in the same direction and you are not crossing a continuous white line.

Overtaking a vehicle on the right is NOT permitted:

• at a railway, pedestrian or children’s crossing;
• at an intersection;
• where there is a ‘no overtaking’ sign;
• where there are single or double continuous centre lines; and
• where you do not have a clear view of approaching traffic.

Overtaking bicycles

• Motorists are required to keep a minimum safe passing distance when overtaking cyclists.
• When the speed limit is 60km/h or under, motorists must leave a gap of at least 1m when passing a bicycle rider.
• When the speed limit is over 60km/h, the gap must be at least 1.5m.
• The safe passing distance law allows drivers to cross centre line markings, including single and double continuous white lines and painted islands, to give the correct amount of space to the cyclist, but only when it is safe to do so, and when the driver has a clear view of oncoming traffic.
• If it is not possible to safely overtake, slow down and wait until it is safe to overtake.
• Motorists should check blind spots for riders before moving left or right on the carriageway.
• Motorists are only permitted to drive in a marked bicycle lane for 50m to stop or park in a designated parking area.
• Public bus and taxi drivers may also drive in a bicycle lane for up to 50m, if the driver is dropping off or picking up passengers.

For more information about cycling, see our Cyclists page.

Offences and penalties

Quizzes on overtaking and other safety topics are available on our Get Streetwise website. 

Take the Overtaking Streetwise Quiz

Overtaking heavy vehicles safely

In 2020, 90 people were seriously injured in crashes involving heavy vehicles.