Rule 167 : Know Your No - Overtaking Zones

Last updated:

📜 Highway Code Regulation 🚘 Independent revision guide 🌐 Multi-Language Translation Support

🖼️ Official Visual Diagram

Highway Code Rule 167

📖 Rule 167 Full Regulations & Explanation

Rule 167 ↗
DO NOT overtake where you might come into conflict with other road users. For example

approaching or at a road junction on either side of the road
where the road narrows
when approaching a school crossing patrol
on the approach to crossing facilities
where a vehicle ahead is slowing to stop for a pedestrian that is crossing from a pedestrian island (see Rule 165 ↗)
between the kerb and a bus or tram when it is at a stop
where traffic is queuing at junctions or road works
when you would force another road user to swerve or slow down
at a level crossing
when a road user is indicating right, even if you believe the signal should have been cancelled. Do not take a risk; wait for the signal to be cancelled
stay behind if you are following a cyclist approaching a roundabout or junction, and you intend to turn left. Do not cut across cyclists going ahead, including those using cycle lanes and cycle tracks (see Rule H3)
stay behind if you are following a horse rider or horse drawn vehicle approaching a roundabout or junction, and you intend to turn left. Do not cut across a horse rider or horse drawn vehicle going ahead
when a tram is standing at a kerbside tram stop and there is no clearly marked passing lane for other traffic.

Text shown in the rule image

Rule 167 : Know Your No - Overtaking Zones

Hazardous Road Layouts

Forcing Movement is Prohibited :

You must not overtake if the maneuver would force another road user to swerve or slow down .

Protect Pedestrian Crossings : Do not overtake when approaching a school crossing patrol , crossing facilities , or if a vehicle ahead has slowed for a pedestrian at an island .

Stay Behind Cyclists and Horse Riders :

If turning left , stay behind cyclists and horse riders ; never cut acrose them as they go ahead .

Avoid Junctions and Road Narrowings :

Never overtake when approaching or at a road junction or where the road narrows .

Danger at Level Crossings and Road Works : Overtaking is strictly prohibited at level crossings and in areas where traffic is queuing at junctions or road works .

Vulnerable Road Users & Pedestrians

Respect Cycle Lanes and Tracks : Prohibitions on cutting across vulnerable users apply even if they are using dedicated cycle lanes or tracks .

Public Transport & Signals

Caution Near Buses and Trams : Do not overtake between the kerb and a bus or tram at a stop , or when a tram is at a kerbside stop , without a marked passing lane .

Trust the Signal , Not Your Assumption : If a road user is indicating right , do not overtake even if you think the signal is an error ; walt for them to cancel the signal .