Overtaking in lane

[Marclev]

Does anybody know what the law on this is? Some car drivers drive ludicrously close to the kerb, so you can just zoom past them without even crossing the dividing line.

How about when there are two lines going down the middle of the road? I know you're not allowed to cross them to overtake, but what's the position on staying in the same lane to overtake as per the above scenario?

[Pjay]

I've passed a police car with a solid white line to our right.
I didn't cross it though. We were on a dual carriageway in a tunnel, he was going 30 (speed of traffic flow) and I was doing 35(it was a 40 limit).

I dont see as how it can be deemed illegal, as I have never seen anywhere stated that you have to be in a lane to yourself to overtake.

[Alex A]

My understanding is that it's legal so long as you don't cross the line.

However, you're likely to be judged at fault should there be an incident, and if it were perceived as careless or dangerous by an Officer, you could potentially be reported for those offences.

[Beehive Bedlam]

It is called filtering and one of the many advantages of commuting on a bike.

[Marclev]

[mattyfattyboo...]

Filtering can be done on a two way road too, it's all the same thing.

The double white lines cannot be crossed or straddled, so as long as you stick to the correct side there's no issue.

[wristjob]

Rule 129

Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

queue of stationary traffic ill pass over double whites.

[Rogerborg]

Same as above. There's no specific offence, but all overtaking is inherently risky, and Constable McRageface may take a dim view. Careless or inconsiderate is a matter of opinion, and he'll doubtless have one.
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[rubyhorse2]

when we had the snow recently we had all the usual traffic jams for no apparent reason. so, i may be cold but at least i was going to get to work on time, piles of snow in middle of road so i went in the oncoming lane to pass the queues, obviously when it was clear and safe to do so.

This was a quiet very wide rural road and i was travelling at about 10mph, whats all your views on this?

i'm not saying its legal but would you sit in stationary traffic or use the other side of the road when clear to move. I even had one biker waving me like mad, even though we were both going about 10mph and he had enough room to get 2 buses through, i just shook my head and thought what a safety pleb.

[Pjay]

[DrSnoosnoo]

[recman]

Any kind of line which indicates where the approximate centre of the road is, to me, just that.
Double solids are there to remind the less experienced or hard of thinking that it may not be safe to overtake.
I'll cross the legalities bridge if and when I need to. 😉

[J4mes]

With regards the OP, depends how close you are to that vehicle. I do it, and sometimes it's proper close. But I'd expect a pull if seen overtaking at a reasonable pace within a few feet of another vehicle.

Obviously if the lane is massive and you could practically get another car up the side, feel free.

[Mudshark]

[Rogerborg]

[RhynoCZ]

Just make sure you're not overtaking when there's a sing that says ''no overtaking''. If you've got those in the UK.
Here:
If there was the sign = 6-12 months ban + fine + points deduction.
If there was no sign but there was a solid line = fine + points deduction.
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[bigdom86]

there is a stretch of road which goes under a bridge on my commute in london, always packed up for atleast 100 metres, all bikes cross the double whites here to pass traffic. cops set up shop one day and was pulling everyone over and explaining that it was illegal and we will get a letter in the post for fine and points, i never got that letter.

cop said it is legal to overtake within the lane but not to cross the double whites

[Rogerborg]

[R1stu]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[Val]

[B5234FT]

[C1REX]

https://www.drivingtesttips.biz/images/no-overtaking-sign.jpg

This sign says no overtakes. More popular rest of the Europe than in UK.
As many people said before - double line means no crossing but you can overtake when it's safe to do so.
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[Rogerborg]

[RhynoCZ]