Many drivers are unaware of the specific conditions under which undertaking is permitted on motorways, leading to potential safety risks.
Exeter: Motorway driving can be tricky, right? There’s a lot to juggle, like merging onto the motorway, keeping an eye on your surroundings, and making sure you’re at a safe distance from other cars.
Most drivers know they should stick to the right lane and avoid undertaking, which means passing someone on the left. The Highway Code really frowns upon that because it can lead to accidents.
But guess what? There are times when it’s actually okay to undertake. Owen Messenger, a Sergeant with the Devon and Cornwall Police, shared this on George’s Car Media TikTok page. He says it’s one of the most common questions he gets.
So, when is it allowed? Owen explained that you can only undertake when your lane is moving slower than the others. This usually happens during roadworks or in heavy traffic.
But generally, it’s best to avoid undertaking altogether. The sergeant pointed out that people don’t expect you to come up on their left, and they might be trying to move back to the left lane, which can lead to accidents.
He stressed, “Please don’t undertake on the motorway, it’s really dangerous.” George, who runs the channel, asked if drivers could get in trouble for it.
Owen replied, “It’s just unnecessary, isn’t it? The default position is to be in lane one. If everyone followed the rules, we wouldn’t have cars darting around everywhere.” It’s all about keeping things safe and efficient.
While it’s not technically illegal, the Highway Code strongly advises against undertaking. It clearly states: “Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake.”
However, there are exceptions. For instance, if you’re in a slow-moving lane that’s actually moving faster than the lane to your right, you might be in the clear.
Rule 268 of The Highway Code says that in congested conditions, if the left lane is moving faster than the right, you can keep up with the traffic in your lane. Just don’t weave in and out to overtake.
It might also be okay during average speed checks, where you’re advised to stay in your lane. In those cases, if your lane is moving faster, it’s safe to pass a slower car on your right.
