2202

OVERTAKING AND PASSING

2202.1

The rules set forth in this section shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles
proceeding in the same direction.

2202.2

The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass
to the left of the vehicle at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the
roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.

2202.3

No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following
conditions; Provided, that these restrictions shall not apply to driving on a one-way roadway:
(a)

When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the
drivers view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard if another
vehicle approaches from the opposite direction;

(b)

When approaching within one hundred feet (100 ft.) of or while traversing any
intersection or railroad grade crossing;

(c)

On the roadway of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel; and

(d)

On the approach roadway within one hundred feet (100 ft.) of any bridge, viaduct,
or tunnel.

2202.4

Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken
vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and
shall not increase the speed of his or her vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking
vehicle.

2202.5

The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under
the following conditions:
(a)

When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;

(b)

On a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked

vehicles and of sufficient width for two (2) or more lines of moving vehicles in
each direction; and

(c)

On a one-way street or upon any roadway upon which traffic is restricted to one
direction of movement; where the roadway is free from obstructions and of
sufficient width for two (2) or more lines of moving vehicles.

2202.6

The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under
conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall the passing movement be

made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.

2202.7

No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway while overtaking and
passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible
and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the overtaking and
passing to be completed without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle
approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken.

2202.8

In every event, an overtaking vehicle must return to the right hand side of the roadway before
coming within one hundred feet (100 ft.) of any vehicle approaching from the opposite
direction.

2202.9

On any street where official traffic control devices have been erected giving notice that
bicycles are entitled to the use of the full right-hand lane then available for moving traffic,
the driver of a motor vehicle shall not drive within that right hand lane while overtaking or
passing a bicycle being driven in that lane, and after overtaking or passing, shall not drive
into that right-hand lane until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.

2202.10 A person driving a motor vehicle shall exercise due care by leaving a safe distance, but in no
case less than 3 feet, when overtaking and passing a bicycle.
SOURCE: Commissioners Order 274, 310/949 effective September 1, 1949, 17 DCRR 27,
28, 29 (October 19, 1970); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 24 DCR 8653
(April 7, 1978); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 56 DCR 1115 (February 6,
2009).