...............................................................................................................................  SHARING THE ROAD  Passing Commercial Vehicles  Orange areas show the “No Zone.”  • When passing a CMV, first check to  your front and rear, and move into  the passing lane only if it is clear  and safe to pass. You must signal  that you are changing lanes, and  let the CMV driver know you are  passing by blinking your headlights,  especially at night.  • Pass CMVs on the lef side for  maximum visibility. Complete your  pass as quickly as possible so that  you do not remain in the CMV’s  blind spot.  • Avoid cutting in too soon when  passing a CMV. Large CMVs can’t  stop as quickly as other vehicles.  Be sure you can see the cab in your  rear-view mirror before completing  your pass. (CMV drivers may flash  headlights to let you know it is OK to  merge back into the lane.)  • Avoid passing a CMV on a  downgrade; the CMV’s weight and  momentum will cause it to increase  speed.  3. If you are stopped behind a CMV  on an upgrade, leave space in case  the CMV drifs back when it starts  to move. Also, keep to the lef in  your lane so the driver can see that  you’re stopped behind the CMV.  4. Don’t use high beam headlights  when following a CMV at night.  Bright lights will blind the driver  when they reflect off the CMV’s large  side mirrors.  5. When a CMV is coming from the  opposite direction, keep to the right  to avoid a sideswipe crash.  • When a CMV passes you, keep to the  right side of your lane. Do not speed  up while the CMV is passing.  6. CMVs ofen need to swing wide to  the lef in order to make a right turn.  Do not drive between the CMV and  the curb—they will not be able to  see you.  7. Never cross behind a CMV that is  preparing to back up or is in the  process of doing so. The size of most  CMVs and trailers completely hide  objects behind them from view.  The Official Florida Driver License Handbook—rev. 05/22/2020  45 