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Difficulty: HardOvertaking Rules

You are driving along a single-carriageway road marked with double white lines in the centre, where the line closest to your vehicle is solid. Under the UK Highway Code, in which of the following situations are you legally permitted to cross this solid white line to overtake?

  1. A
    When a slower vehicle ahead flashes its headlights to signal that the opposing lane is clear
  2. When overtaking a pedal cycle, horse rider, or road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less, provided it is safe to do soAnswer
  3. C
    When passing a pedal cyclist travelling at 15 mph by squeezing past them closely with less than 1.5 metres of clearance
  4. D
    When overtaking a horse rider travelling at 15 mph by accelerating rapidly past them to minimise time in the opposing lane

Answer

You are legally permitted to cross the solid white line only when overtaking a pedal cycle, horse rider, or road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less, provided the manoeuvre is safe.
Under Highway Code Rule 129, you MUST NOT cross or straddle double white lines where the line nearest you is solid, except when entering premises, passing a stationary obstruction, or overtaking a pedal cycle, horse, or road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less when it is safe to do so.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the regulatory meaning of double white lines where the line nearest to you is solid.
Highway Code Rule 129 prohibits crossing or straddling a continuous solid line on your side, subject to strictly defined legal exceptions.
Solid centre lines indicate limited forward visibility or high-risk overtaking zones.
2
Evaluate the statutory exemptions allowing a driver to cross a solid white line.
Exemptions apply exclusively when turning into adjoining premises, passing a stationary vehicle, or overtaking a pedal cycle, horse, or road maintenance vehicle moving at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.
These narrow exceptions prevent dangerous prolonged obstruction by exceptionally slow road users while strictly forbidding general overtaking.
3
Apply safe clearance and passing rules for vulnerable road users.
The driver must wait until there is ample visibility and space to pass safely, giving at least 1.5 metres of room for cyclists and at least 2.0 metres at 10 mph or under for horses.
Vulnerable road users require adequate space and consideration to prevent collisions or startle animals.

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 129 exemptions for crossing a continuous solid double white line
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Overtaking Rules

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