Understanding Rule 268 : Overtaking on the Left

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Highway Code Rule 268

📖 Rule 268 Full Regulations & Explanation

Rule 268 ↗
Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake. In congested conditions, where adjacent lanes of traffic are moving at similar speeds, traffic in left-hand lanes may sometimes be moving faster than traffic to the right. In these conditions you may keep up with the traffic in your lane even if this means passing traffic in the lane to your right. Do not weave in and out of lanes to overtake.

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Understanding Rule 268 : Overtaking on the Left

THE GENERAL PROHIBITION

No Overtaking on the Left

THE CONGESTION EXCEPTION

Faster - Moving Left Lanes

The standard rule is that you must not overtake vehicles on their left side or move to a left - hand lane specifically to pass .

In congested conditions where adjacent lanes move at similar speeds , traffic in the left - hand lane may naturally move faster than the right .

PROHIBITED MANEUVERS

Do Not Weave

Restricted Lane Changes

Drivers are prohibited from moving to a lane on the left for the sole purpose of overtaking a slower vehicle ahead .

Stay in Your Lane Under these specific congested conditions , you may keep up with the traffic in your lane , even if it means passing vehicles on your right .

Rule 268 explicitly forbids weaving in and out of lanes to overtake other vehicles , as this creates hazardous conditions for all road users .