Passing

Passing Bicyclists

Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as motorists. Bicyclists are permitted to travel in the center of the traffic lane if there are safety hazards on the right side of the road (such as parked cars or debris) or if the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to share. Pass bicyclists with caution, treating them as you would any other vehicle and according to Georgia Law. The law requires a driver to allow at least three feet between the driver and bicyclist when passing, if feasible. If it is not safe to leave three feet of space, the driver should wait until it is safe to pass the bicyclist.

Passing Motorcyclists

A motorcyclist legally occupies the full width of a single lane when traveling. When passing a motorcyclist, a driver must pass in an adjacent lane. Drivers are not permitted to occupy the same lane as a motorcyclist while passing them.

Leaving your Lane to Begin Passing

Before leaving your lane to begin passing, check your rear view and side mirrors, and turn your head and look back to check your "blind spot." Be certain that no one is passing you; Activate your left turn signal as you begin passing; Pass on the left and do not return to the right lane until your vehicle is safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. Wait until you can see the car you have just passed in your rear view mirror; Activated your right turn signal before returning to the right lane. Be sure to turn your signal off once you have returned to the right lane.

Passing is Prohibited on Two-lane Roads

In areas marked by a solid yellow line on the right of the center line, or a "Do Not Pass" sign, or double yellow lines; Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing; Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel; When a car approaching from the opposite direction makes passing unsafe or will be within 200 feet of your vehicle prior to the completion of a passing maneuver; On a hill or curve where it is not possible to see oncoming vehicles which might be close enough to be a hazard; On the shoulder of the road; When a school bus is stopped to load or unload passengers.

Weaving

It is unlawful to weave from one lane of traffic to another in order to move faster than the flow of traffic. A motorist may change lanes on a multi-lane highway and pass slower moving vehicles only when it is safe to do so. A driver's signaling to change lanes should be clearly indicated so as to warn vehicles of the movement.

Passing is Permitted When

Lawfully overtaking and passing another vehicle going in the same direction; An obstruction makes it necessary to drive to the left of the center line, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic; A roadway includes two or more marked lanes in the same direction; A roadway with more than one lane is restricted to one-way traffic. Upon a multi-lane, two way highway, you must never drive to the left of the center line except when authorized to do so by traffic control signals or signs or when making a left turn into an alley, private road or driveway.

How to Pass On a Two-Lane Road

Wait for a passing zone to begin. A passing zone is indicated by striped lines to the right of the center line of the roadway. If the line nearest your vehicle is solid, you are not in a passing zone. Look ahead along the roadway to determine the length of the passing zone and if there is traffic approaching from the opposite direction. You must have sufficient time and space to execute your passing maneuver and return your vehicle completely to the right lane before the passing zone ends, before entering an intersection, and before oncoming traffic is within 200 feet of your vehicle

When Someone Passes You

When a driver behind you is overtaking your vehicle, be alert for any unsafe actions by the other driver. It is considered courteous to reduce your speed slightly, making it easier for the other vehicle to pass you. It is unlawful to increase your speed before you have been passed completely by the overtaking vehicle.

Passing Stopped Cars

Whenever any vehicle is stopped to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle. When stopping to allow a pedestrian to cross in front of you, leave sufficient room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so that approaching traffic can see the entirely of the crosswalk. Slow down and prepare to stop if you are approaching an intersection where other vehicles are stopped, even though the traffic control devices indicate they are authorized to proceed. If they are stopped cause they are allowing a pedestrian to cross the roadway, their vehicle may block your view of the pedestrian.

Passing Stopped Cars

Whenever any vehicle is stopped to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle. When stopping to allow a pedestrian to cross in front of you, leave sufficient room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so that approaching traffic can see the entirety of the crosswalk. Slow down and prepare to stop if you are approaching an intersection where other vehicles are stopped, even though the traffic control devices indicate they are authorized to proceed. If they are stopped because they are allowing a pedestrian to cross the roadway, their vehicle may block your view of the pedestrian.

Passing on the Right

You may pass on the right of another vehicle which is making or about to make a left turn if there is sufficient pavement width for both your vehicle and the vehicle making the left turn. You may also pass on the right when traveling on a multi-lane highway carrying two or more lanes of traffic in the same direction.