38 | Driver’s Manual CHAPTER 6 / HOW TO PASS HOW TO PASS ON THE LEFT HOW TO PASS ON THE RIGHT The law requires that we drive on the right  side of the road. When we are allowed to pass  other vehicles, we usually pass on the left. You  are permitted to pass on the right only in certain  circumstances and it must be done only when  necessary and safe. When you pass other vehicles  or change lanes to keep away from hazards, do  so with caution and only when necessary. You  must not exceed the speed limit to pass another  vehicle. When you pass a motorcycle, remember to  give the motorcycle the same full-lane width as  other vehicles are allowed. Never move into the  same lane space as a motorcycle, even if the lane  is wide and the motorcycle is to one side. The law requires you to use turn signal lamps  or hand and arm signals to indicate your intention  to change lanes at least 100 feet (30 m) before  you make a lane change. You must never pass a  vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to allow a  pedestrian to go across. The left lane is normally used to pass other  vehicles. You cannot pass a vehicle on the left if: If conditions are correct to pass, check in your  mirrors and signal your lane change. Before you  pull into the left lane, look quickly over your left  shoulder, through the back side window, to make  sure there is no vehicle close behind you in the  left lane. Never depend on your mirrors when you  prepare to change lanes. Even correctly adjusted  mirrors will leave “blind spots” behind both sides  of your vehicle. If a vehicle is in the blind spot, you  may not see it in your mirrors. Always quickly look  over your shoulder before you change lanes or pass. When you pass, move completely into the left  lane. Before you return to the right lane, signal  and look at your interior rear-view mirror and  make sure you can see the front bumper of the  vehicle you passed. Look quickly over your right  shoulder to make sure that you can safely move  into that lane without crowding the vehicle you  passed. Then return to the right lane.  Although you normally pass other vehicles on  the left, some situations allow you to pass on the  right. You can pass a vehicle on the right only in  the conditions listed below and only if you can  pass safely. You cannot drive on or across the  shoulder or edge line of the road unless a sign  allows it or when indicated by a traffic officer (see  Chapter 4). You can pass on the right: • Your lane has a solid yellow center line. • You cannot safely return to the right lane  before you reach a solid yellow center line  for the right lane. • You cannot safely return to the right lane  before any oncoming vehicle comes within  200 feet (60 m) of you. • You approach a curve or the top of a hill on a two-way road and cannot see around or  over it. • You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a railroad  crossing on a two-way roadway. • You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a bridge,  tunnel or viaduct on a two-way road and  your view is obstructed. • When a vehicle ahead makes a left turn. • When you are on a two-way road that is  marked for two or more lanes or is wide  enough for two or more lanes in each direction and passing is not prohibited by signs or restricted by parked cars or other obstructions. • When you drive on a one-way road that is  marked for two or more lanes or is wide  enough for two or more lanes, and to pass  is not prohibited by signs or restricted by  parked cars or other obstructions. • If you try to pass, you will interfere with  oncoming traffic.