You should always be familiar with your driving handbook for road rules and traffic laws specific to your state. In addition, experienced drivers will use caution when driving rather than risk their lives or the lives of others by being reckless or inattentive. Common sense, alertness, a level head, and courtesy should always prevail on the road.
Do Not Pass Traffic Sign
The Do Not Pass traffic sign works in conjunction with a pennant shaped sign, which is always yellow and always placed on the left side of the road. It has the text “No Passing Zone” and marks the beginning of an area where you cannot pass other vehicles on the left side of the road.
If you look over to the right-hand side of the road, you will see the black and white “Do Not Pass” sign. The two signs supplement each other.
In a no-passing zone, the pavement is also marked with a solid yellow line on the left of your lane. Together, the signs and the pavement markings mean that you must stay on the right side of the road and not pass other vehicles.
The Do Not Pass traffic sign is printed in black on a white background rectangular sign, with longer vertical sides. It can be used on public and private roadways, as well as in parking areas.
When you see a Do Not Pass traffic sign, it is an indication that you may not pass in that area, regardless of how safe you may feel it is to do so. It is telling you that there is an unsafe stretch of road in front of you with unseen hazards, based on how far you can see directly ahead of you.
The sign has been placed there to protect you, other motorists, and any pedestrians that may be in the immediate vicinity, and it is not an option.
Considerations that go into the decision to make passing in that area illegal include hazards that the driver cannot see, such as hidden driveways, hills, curves, intersections, and other places where a vehicle may enter the road.
When is Passing Illegal?
Passing is illegal under the following conditions:
- When the road is marked with a “Do Not Pass” or “No Passing Zone” sign. The signs will be accompanied by solid line road markings. You may, however, make a left turn into a driveway, private road, or alley when you are certain that it is safe to do so
- Any time you have double solid lines in the middle of the road.
- Whenever you have a solid dividing line between lanes on your side, even if the line on the other side is broken.
- When you are approaching a hill or incline, vehicles traveling towards you in the opposite lane may be hidden from your view until it is too late.
- In weather conditions that restrict your line of sight. If it is foggy, raining, or snowing, visibility will be too low to pass safely. Slow down instead.
- When a curve or bend in the road ahead limits your view, you must be able to see a clear path in front of you for at least 800 feet in the opposite traffic lane to safely and legally pass.
- Any time a school bus is displaying flashing red lights or has extended the “STOP” arm at the side of the bus. You must stop 20 feet away from the bus until the driver turns off its flashing lights, pulls in the “STOP” arm, and begins to move
- As you are passing through an intersection or are within 100 feet of an intersection. Check your state’s driving manual for the exact legal distance.
- If you are less than 100 feet away from a railroad crossing. The exact legal distance may vary by state, so check your state’s driving manual.
- When you are less than 100 feet away from a tunnel or a bridge. Be aware that the road may narrow up ahead, so it is not safe or legal to pass. Again, the exact legal distance may vary by state, so be sure to check the requirements where you live.
- When the vehicle you want to pass is turning left. This should be self-evident as this is never a good idea.
- When you feel you need to pass the vehicle in front on the right side. Passing on the right side may be permissible in some circumstances, but in most states, it is usually illegal.
- While using a center turn lane or if passing requires you to enter the center turn lane. These lanes are only for making a left turn, or to enter the road from a driveway or other entry point.
- If there are more than two lanes of traffic traveling in your direction and you want to pass the vehicle in the left-hand lane. Don’t do it.
- When you are on the right shoulder of a highway.
Most of these restrictions fall under the heading of common sense, but it is surprising how many people ignore the rules of the road, causing serious accidents. It is not only reckless to pass under these conditions, but it is also illegal. Be sure you know the exact, current requirements for your state and follow the rules.
Tips for Safe Passing
Follow these instructions to safely and successfully pass another vehicle:
- Always scan for hazardous conditions, such as oncoming vehicles, vehicles behind you, and merging vehicles.
- Don’t rely solely on your review mirrors, turn, and look to ensure there is no vehicle in your blind spot.
- Signal your intention to pass and then accelerate into the passing lane.
- Accelerate quickly to an appropriate passing speed.
- Concentrate on the path ahead.
- Check your mirrors for cars coming up behind you.
To safely return to your original lane, you will need to:
- Check your rearview mirror for both headlights of the car you just passed so you know you have enough clearance between you and it.
- Signal your intention to return to that lane.
- Change lanes and maintain your speed.
- Switch off your turn signal.
Where Can You Buy Road Signs?
Having the proper signage and safety equipment on the job site is of the utmost importance to the safety of the worker and to the general public. Applied appropriately, you will protect the site and everyone on it.
Worksafe Traffic Control Industries provides commercial, road, and traffic signage for any job site so that you can concentrate on getting the work done.
Here are just some of the products we offer:
- Barricades
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We have been in business for over 26 years, winning numerous awards and garnering five-star reviews from our many satisfied customers. Call us or contact us online to order or if you have any questions and we will be happy to help meet your needs.
You’ve got a job to do, and you should be able to focus on getting it done safely and well. Let us help.