A motorist traveling on a two-way roadway approaches a slow-moving utility vehicle traveling at 15 mph in a posted 45 mph zone. The pavement markings display a broken yellow line on the motorist's side of the roadway, but a marked railroad grade crossing is located 80 feet ahead. Which of the following statements correctly describes the legal status of overtaking in this scenario?
- Overtaking is strictly illegal because passing is prohibited within 100 feet of any railroad grade crossing, regardless of pavement lines or vehicle speeds.Answer
- BOvertaking is legally permitted because a broken yellow line on the driver's side grants absolute authority to pass slow-moving vehicles.
- COvertaking is legally permitted provided the passing maneuver is initiated immediately and completed prior to reaching within 50 feet of the track line.
- DOvertaking is legally permitted only if the driver temporarily exceeds the posted 45 mph speed limit to complete the pass before reaching the tracks.
Answer
Overtaking is strictly illegal because passing is prohibited within 100 feet of any railroad grade crossing, regardless of pavement lines or vehicle speeds.
Under standard traffic laws, passing or driving on the left side of the roadway is explicitly prohibited within 100 feet of any railroad grade crossing, intersection, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel. Even though a broken yellow centerline is present, the 80-foot distance to the railroad crossing creates an absolute legal prohibition against passing.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Passing prohibitions near intersections, railroad crossings, bridges, and tunnels