Motorists who flout motorway rules could face court action, a hefty £5,000 fine, or even a driving ban. This warning comes as Police UK reveals that one of the most common driving offences in the UK is dangerous overtaking.
The Highway Code’s rules 162 to 169, which govern overtaking, state that drivers should only overtake another vehicle when it is safe and legal to do so. Drivers are urged not to get too close to the vehicle they’re overtaking, to use their mirrors and signal, and not to assume they can follow a car ahead which is overtaking another vehicle as there may only be enough space for one vehicle.
The key mantra for any manoeuvre, especially overtaking, is: ‘Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre’. If a driver is caught overtaking dangerously, police could deem it careless or inconsiderate driving.
Under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, a driver could face an on-the-spot fine of £100 and three penalty points. However, if the offence is considered more serious, the driver could be taken to court where they could receive up to £5,000 on their licence, three to nine penalty points or even a driving ban.
Moreover, overtaking dangerously could lead to a fatal accident. In such instances, the offence would likely be categorised as dangerous driving, which carries a significantly heavier penalty, including an unlimited fine, up to 11 points on your licence, a minimum two-year driving ban or even a prison sentence.
When you shouldn’t overtake
Rule 165 of the Highway Code states that motorists must not attempt to overtake a vehicle if:
- The nearest vehicle to a pedestrian crossing, especially when it has stopped to let pedestrians cross
- If you would have to enter a lane reserved for buses, trams or cycles during its hours of operation
- If you would have to enter an area designed to divide traffic, if it is surrounded by a solid white line
- After a ‘No Overtaking’ sign and until you pass a sign cancelling the restriction.
- If you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you
Furthermore, Rule 166 states that a motorists should not overtake if “there is any doubt, or where you cannot see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe.” This can include if you are approaching:
- The brow of a hill
- A corner or bend
- A hump bridge
Full details on the Highway Code rules on overtaking can be found here. Further details on the law around dangerous, careless, and inconsiderate driving can be found here.
