Passing rules and parking

Key points

1. After passing, return to your lane only when you see both headlights of the passed car in your mirror.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “See both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rear-view mirror before returning to the lane you came from.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 16

2. You may pass on the right when it is safe and the other car is about to turn left, or on an unobstructed road with 2 or more lanes your way.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “The other vehicle is about to make a left turn. You are on an unobstructed road with two or more lanes moving in the same direction.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 16

3. When someone passes you, yield and do not speed up.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “When being passed by another vehicle, you must yield to the other vehicle and not increase your speed.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 16

4. Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “When crossing or within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 16

5. Do not pass within 100 feet of a bridge, elevated road or tunnel when your view is blocked.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “When your view is obstructed as you come within 100 feet of a bridge, elevated road, or tunnel.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 16

6. Do not pass where the solid yellow line is on your side or where there are double solid yellow lines.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “Where the solid yellow line in the middle of the road is on your side. Where there are double solid yellow lines.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 16

7. When parking along the road, park as far from traffic as possible, and as close to the curb as possible.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “When parking along the road, park your vehicle as far away from traffic as possible. If there is a curb, park as close to it as possible.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 16

8. Check your mirrors and traffic before opening your door, and shut it as soon as you can after getting out.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “Check your mirrors and traffic before opening the door. Shut the door as soon as you can after getting out.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 16

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Maryland practice test

1. 1. When may a driver pass where a solid yellow line is on the driver's side?

   1. The driver may not pass in that location
   2. The driver may pass whenever the road appears empty
   3. The driver may pass if the vehicle ahead is moving slowly
   4. The driver may pass after checking only the rear-view mirror
   Show answer

   The driver may not pass in that location. Maryland lists a solid yellow line in the middle of the road on your side among places where passing is not allowed. An empty-looking road does not cancel the pavement restriction, and hazard lights do not create a passing exception. The line separates opposing traffic and marks a no-passing condition for that side. Read the center marking before considering an overtake, especially where sight distance or opposing traffic makes a mistake dangerous.

2. 2. When may you change lanes according to Maryland's basic lane-driving guidance?

   1. After determining it is safe, but not while in an intersection
   2. Whenever the vehicle ahead slows, including in an intersection
   3. Only after crossing the center line
   4. Without checking if the lane appears empty
   Show answer

   After determining it is safe, but not while in an intersection. Maryland expects a driver to remain in a single lane until a safe lane change has been confirmed. The manual specifically warns against drifting across lane lines or changing lanes in an intersection. A slowing vehicle may require patience, not an unchecked move, and an empty-looking lane still needs a proper search of mirrors and blind areas. Crossing the center line is not a general lane-change method. Signal, scan the surrounding traffic, and complete the move where the roadway gives you enough space and time to control it.

3. 3. When should a driver activate a turn signal?

   1. Only after beginning to turn
   2. Before reaching the turn
   3. Only when another vehicle is directly behind
   4. After completing the turn
   Show answer

   Before reaching the turn. Maryland instructs drivers to switch on the turn signal before getting to the turn so other drivers know what is planned. Waiting until the vehicle is already turning gives surrounding road users less time to react, and waiting for a visible follower overlooks pedestrians or vehicles outside the mirror's immediate view. The cue is early communication: signal before the turning point, check around the vehicle, then make the turn at a suitable speed.

Source: the Maryland Driver's Manual, Section 3: Basic Driving. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.