Can I be fined for overtaking a motorbike?
WHEN it comes to overtaking, drivers are bound to a number of rules and restrictions.
But can you be fined if you overtake a motorbike? Here’s everything you need to know.
Can I be fined for overtaking a motorbike?
According to the Highway Code, drivers shouldn’t overtake under the following circumstances – doing so could see you charged with careless driving and possibly faced with a fine:
- If you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you
- If you would have to enter an area designed to divide traffic, if it’s surrounded by a solid white line
- If you would have to enter a lane reserved for buses, trams or cycles during its hours of operation
- You should never overtake the nearest vehicle to a pedestrian crossing, especially when it has stopped to let pedestrians cross
- You must not attempt to overtake after a ‘No Overtaking’ sign, until you pass a sign cancelling the restriction
You could be hit with a £100 fine for careless driving, but in more serious cases, it can mean a maximum £5,000, up to nine penalty points and even a driving ban.
The Code also gives drivers guidelines on how and when to safely overtake.
When can I overtake a motorbike?
You should only attempt to overtake when you are sure it is both safe and legal to do so.
Drivers should ensure the opposite side of the road is sufficiently clear to safely overtake, there’s a suitable gap in front of the road user you plan to overtake and you have a clear view ahead of you.
You should give motorcyclists at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car.
It’s also important to ensure a road user isn’t behind you attempting to overtake your vehicle – check all your mirrors carefully, look out for motorcyclists and when it is safe to do so, signal in plenty of time, then move out.
Can motorbikes overtake cars in traffic?
Although it is a legal manoeuvre in the UK, car drivers often become annoyed or even angry at motorbikes overtaking, and it can sometimes cause arguments on the road.
Rule 88 of the Highway Code states: ”You should be aware of what is behind and to the sides before manoeuvring. Look behind you; use mirrors if they are fitted.
”When in traffic queues look out for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes.
”Position yourself so that drivers in front can see you in their mirrors. Additionally, when filtering in slow-moving traffic, take care and keep your speed low.”
While you can filter past traffic queuing at a crossing, you can’t pass the lead vehicle until it has passed the crossing.