When is it permissible to pass another vehicle on the right in California?

Prepare for the California DMV Traffic School Test. Study with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and understand with detailed explanations. Get cleared for your driving confidently!

Multiple Choice

When is it permissible to pass another vehicle on the right in California?

Passing on the right is allowed only in specific, safe situations. In California, you may pass another vehicle on the right when you’re on a road with two or more lanes going in the same direction and the vehicle ahead is turning left, with a clearly open lane to the right that you can use to pass safely. This setup lets the left-turning driver complete their maneuver without you squeezing past them in a way that could cause a collision. It’s not permissible to pass on the right just because a lane exists or because traffic is heavy or there’s a shoulder. Only pass on the right when there is a safe, clearly marked gap to do so, and you should return to the left lane after you’ve passed.

Passing on the right is allowed only in specific, safe situations. In California, you may pass another vehicle on the right when you’re on a road with two or more lanes going in the same direction and the vehicle ahead is turning left, with a clearly open lane to the right that you can use to pass safely. This setup lets the left-turning driver complete their maneuver without you squeezing past them in a way that could cause a collision. It’s not permissible to pass on the right just because a lane exists or because traffic is heavy or there’s a shoulder. Only pass on the right when there is a safe, clearly marked gap to do so, and you should return to the left lane after you’ve passed.

More practice questions