Tips for Overtaking or Passing Vehicles Correctly

When driving on the highway, we must not be careless. There are driving etiquettes that you should know and adhere to. That is why when someone applies for a driver's license (Surat Izin Mengemudi), they will take a theory test that includes driving etiquette. One of the driving etiquettes that drivers must understand is the correct tips for overtaking vehicles.

Tips for overtaking vehicles must be understood by every driver to prevent accidents on the road. Accidents on the highway often occur because one or both parties do not comply with the recommended driving rules. In fact, understanding driving rules can prevent accidents.

Legal Regulations

Before driving, a driver should indeed understand every traffic sign and driving etiquette. Signs on the road will help facilitate drivers to drive correctly according to the road situation. Here are the etiquettes for correctly overtaking vehicles on the highway.

1. Overtake from the Right Side

The correct overtaking tip that is commonly known is to overtake from the right side. Regarding overtaking from the right side, this is not just a general etiquette but is also regulated in the Law of the Republic of Indonesia.

According to the regulations regarding Traffic and Road Transportation (LLAJ) in the Law of 2009 number 22, it is explained that overtaking other vehicles in front must use the lane on the right side. This is stated in paragraph 1 of article 109.

In addition to using the right lane when overtaking vehicles, you are also required to ensure that there is a clear line of sight when overtaking. Furthermore, make sure there is sufficient overtaking space in the sense that there are no oncoming vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. Insufficient overtaking space can be very dangerous.

2. Can Overtake from the Left Side under Certain Conditions

Based on the rules regarding traffic signs and road transportation (LLAJ) applicable in article 109 paragraph 2 of the Law of 2009 number 22, it states that under “certain conditions” vehicles are allowed to overtake from the left side. When overtaking from the left side, the driver must still pay attention to the safety and security of the surrounding traffic.

The certain conditions referred to here are explained in the explanatory appendix on page 30 of the Law of 2009 number 22. The explanatory appendix states that the certain conditions mean that if the right side is congested due to a stalled vehicle, a vehicle intending to turn right, a pothole on the right side, a fallen tree, and so on.

3. Overtaking is Prohibited When

In article 109 paragraph 3, it is explained that vehicles are prohibited from overtaking vehicles in front if the vehicle in front has given certain signals. The signals referred to here are that the vehicle in front will turn right or use the right lane, thus prohibiting the driver behind from overtaking.

4. Give Way to Other Vehicles

When on an uphill road, you coming from above and going down must give way to vehicles that are climbing to pass first.