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Rule 165: Where you must not overtake

Legal requirement — says MUST Overtaking (rules 162 to 169)

You MUST NOT overtake

  • if you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you (but see Rule 129)
  • if you would have to enter an area designed to divide traffic, if it is surrounded by a solid white line
  • the nearest vehicle to a pedestrian crossing, especially when it has stopped to let pedestrians cross
  • if you would have to enter a lane reserved for buses, trams or cycles during its hours of operation
  • after a ‘No Overtaking’ sign and until you pass a sign cancelling the restriction.

Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD schedule 1, schedule 9 part 7, schedule 14 part 1

Why the capitals matter. The Highway Code writes a rule in capitals — MUST or MUST NOT — when it is backed by law, so breaking it is a criminal offence. The rules that do not use capitals are advice.

5 theory test questions on this rule

From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.

Motorcycle

Lorry & Bus (LGV/PCV)

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