Question

Difficulty: HardPassing, Overtaking, and Lane Changing Rules

You are driving on a two-lane rural road marked with a broken yellow line on your side of the roadway. You are following a slow-moving agricultural vehicle traveling at 20 mph in a 55 mph zone. As you plan to initiate a pass, you notice an unmarked roadway intersection approximately 80 feet ahead. What is the legally compliant action to take in this scenario?

  1. A
    Initiate and complete the pass immediately, provided you temporarily exceed the posted 55 mph speed limit to clear the vehicle before the intersection.
  2. Remain behind the slow-moving vehicle and postpone passing until your vehicle has completely cleared the intersection.Answer
  3. C
    Proceed with passing on the left because a broken yellow centerline grants legal permission to overtake vehicles at any point on the roadway.
  4. D
    Pass the vehicle using the right paved shoulder to avoid entering oncoming traffic lanes near the intersection approach.

Answer

The driver must remain behind the slow-moving vehicle and postpone passing until after completely clearing the intersection.
Under standard motor vehicle codes, driving on the left side of the roadway to pass another vehicle is strictly prohibited within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, or tunnel. Even though broken yellow line pavement markings indicate a general passing zone, statutory location safety rules override pavement lines to prevent broadside collisions with vehicles entering or turning at the intersection.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate distance to the upcoming intersection.
The vehicle is 80 feet away from an intersection approach.
Traffic safety statutes regulate vehicle positioning near road junctions.
2
Apply statutory rules regarding passing near intersections.
Overtaking on the left is illegal within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, or tunnel.
Intersection areas have high collision risks from turning and cross-traffic.
3
Determine the legal driver response.
Hold position behind the slow-moving vehicle until safely past the intersection hazard zone.
Pavement markings such as broken yellow lines do not override statutory distance restrictions near intersections.

Key Concept

Passing Restrictions Near Intersections
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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