Rules for Overtaking (Passing) Vehicles
Overtaking is the highest-risk manoeuvre on any road — do it only when legal and safe.
You may overtake only from the right, only when the road ahead is clear, and never in prohibited zones. The vehicle being overtaken must make way.
Penalty Under Law
Illegal overtaking: ₹500 (Sec. 177). Causing accident by illegal overtaking: Sec. 184, ₹1,000–₹5,000 + imprisonment.
Legal Source
MV Act Sec. 119; CMVR Rule 10
What the Law Says
CMVR Rule 10 mandates that overtaking must be done from the right side only (except when the vehicle ahead is turning right and has indicated). Before overtaking, the driver must ensure the road ahead is free from oncoming traffic for sufficient distance, that the vehicle being passed has not indicated a turn, and that no sign prohibits overtaking. The overtaking vehicle must not force the overtaken vehicle off the road. The vehicle being overtaken must not accelerate to prevent the overtake.
💡 Why This Rule Exists
Overtaking involves entering the oncoming traffic lane — a manoeuvre where a misjudgement of closing speed or a hidden vehicle cresting a hill is fatal at highway speeds. The rules ensure both vehicles have maximum visibility and space to complete the manoeuvre safely.
Key Facts
- 1
Always overtake from the RIGHT side in India.
- 2
Never overtake on or near: blind curves, hill crests, intersections, zebra crossings, bridges, railway crossings, or where a No Overtaking sign is posted.
- 3
The vehicle being overtaken must not speed up — this is a legal obligation (CMVR Rule 10).
- 4
You must signal your intention before moving to the right lane.
- 5
After overtaking, return to the left lane promptly.
- 6
Overtaking a vehicle that has itself overtaken another vehicle (triple overtake) is extremely dangerous and prohibited.
⚠️ Common Violations
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Overtaking on curves or hill crests where oncoming visibility is nil.
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Overtaking near intersections where a vehicle from a side road may emerge.
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Multiple vehicles overtaking simultaneously in a chain.
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Overtaking from the left side (undertaking) — illegal except when overtaking a vehicle turning right.
Frequently Asked Questions
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More Rules of the Road Rules
Always Drive on the Left Side of the Road
All vehicles in India must travel on the left side of the road. Wrong-side driving is a leading cause of head-on collision deaths.
₹500 – first offence
Lane Discipline and Lane Markings
Lane markings are legally binding instructions. A solid yellow centre line means no overtaking. A broken white line permits lane changes when safe.
₹500 under Sec
Mandatory Use of Indicators and Hand Signals
Every driver must signal their intention to turn, change lanes, or stop — using indicators or prescribed hand signals. Failing to signal before a manoeuvre is a legal violation.
₹500 under Sec
Give Way to Emergency Vehicles
When an emergency vehicle is approaching with lights and siren active, every driver must immediately move aside to create a clear lane. The fine for blocking an ambulance is ₹10,000.
₹10,000 fine