Passing on the left and the right

Key points

1. You may not pass on the left if your lane has a solid yellow center line.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “You cannot pass a vehicle on the left if: Your lane has a solid yellow center line.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

2. Do not pass unless you can get back into the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet of you.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “You cannot safely return to the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet (60 m) of you.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

3. No passing on a two way road within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a railroad crossing on a two-way roadway.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

4. No passing on a two way road within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or viaduct when your view is blocked.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a bridge, tunnel or viaduct on a two-way road and your view is obstructed.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

5. No passing near a curve or the top of a hill on a two way road where you cannot see around or over it.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “You approach a curve or the top of a hill on a two-way road and cannot see around or over it.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

6. You must not go over the speed limit to pass another vehicle.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “You must not exceed the speed limit to pass another vehicle.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

7. Never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “You must never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to go across.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

8. When overtaking a bicyclist, pass on the left at a safe distance until you have cleared the bicycle.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “When overtaking a bicyclist from behind, the law requires you to pass on the left at a safe distance until the bicycle has been cleared.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

9. Passing on the right is allowed only in listed cases, for example when the vehicle ahead is making a left turn.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “You may pass on the right: When a vehicle ahead makes a left turn.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

10. When another vehicle passes you on the left, slow down slightly and stay centered in your lane.

    Source: Chapter 6

    “If another vehicle passes you on the left, decrease your speed slightly and stay centered in your lane.”
    New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

Numbers to know

3 questions from the New York practice test

1. 1. A driver is considering passing on a two-way road. Which marking rules out passing from that lane?

   1. A single broken white lane line
   2. A solid yellow center line in the driver's lane
   3. A dashed yellow line beside the shoulder
   4. A solid white line separating same-direction lanes
   Show answer

   A solid yellow center line in the driver's lane. A solid yellow center line in your lane means you cannot pass on the left. The broken white line describes lane changes or passing when safe, and a white line separates traffic moving in the same direction rather than opposing traffic. A dashed yellow shoulder marking is not the prohibition described here. The practical cue is to identify the line nearest your vehicle before moving across the center: if your side is solid yellow, stay behind the vehicle ahead and wait for a lawful passing opportunity.

2. 2. How must a driver overtake a bicyclist traveling ahead?

   1. Pass immediately on the right using the shoulder
   2. Share the bicycle's lane space while remaining beside it
   3. Pass on the left at a safe distance until the bicycle is cleared
   4. Sound the horn and pass without changing position
   Show answer

   Pass on the left at a safe distance until the bicycle is cleared. When overtaking a bicyclist from behind, New York requires passing on the left at a safe distance until the bicycle has been cleared. The shoulder is not a substitute lane, and remaining beside the bicycle in the same space leaves too little room. A horn can warn but does not satisfy the passing rule. Wait for a safe opening, give lateral space, and remain left until fully past before returning.

3. 3. On a New York two-way road, what does a double solid yellow center line mean?

   1. Passing is allowed for both directions when traffic is light
   2. Do not pass across the lines from either direction
   3. Only trucks may cross to overtake
   4. The roadway is changing to one-way traffic
   Show answer

   Do not pass across the lines from either direction. A double solid yellow center line separates opposing traffic where passing is prohibited in both directions. Light traffic does not remove the marking's restriction, and vehicle size does not create a special crossing privilege. The lines also do not announce a one-way road. The useful cue is the paired solid pattern: keep your vehicle in its lane and wait for a lawful passing section rather than crossing the center. Drivers must still watch for turns or other movements specifically allowed by the roadway rules.

Source: the New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6: Passing. 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.