Can I legally overtake here?
Discussion
A relatively new addition to a town bypass local to me has been this red hatched area down the middle of the road. It's NSL and used to be a single dashed line which was a good overtaking spot that most people took advantage of since you'd often come off a roundabout onto this road behind a lorry and it's an uphill section that is straight for the best part of a mile.
Since the red hatching has been added, nobody overtakes there. But my understanding is that it is still perfectly legal due to the dashed line, and I can't find anything in the highway code that gives the red road surface any significance.
Since the red hatching has been added, nobody overtakes there. But my understanding is that it is still perfectly legal due to the dashed line, and I can't find anything in the highway code that gives the red road surface any significance.
130
Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right.
If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.
If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.
Laws MT(E&W)R regs 5, 9, 10 & 16, MT(S)R regs 4, 8, 9 & 14, RTA sect 36 & TSRGD 10(1)
Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right.
If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.
If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.
Laws MT(E&W)R regs 5, 9, 10 & 16, MT(S)R regs 4, 8, 9 & 14, RTA sect 36 & TSRGD 10(1)
Can't think of a reason it's not allowed. However a couple of things spring to mind;
- You're going to put people's backs up because most will assume you're not supposed to use it
- If something goes wrong and you're accused of driving dangerously or carelessly, using that section will be brought up
- Very few vehicles will use it, meaning there'll be a lot of stones, nails, sharp stuff and detritus your going to drive over. It may cause a puncture or throw up items into other vehicles, leading to being reported for poor driving...
- You're going to put people's backs up because most will assume you're not supposed to use it
- If something goes wrong and you're accused of driving dangerously or carelessly, using that section will be brought up
- Very few vehicles will use it, meaning there'll be a lot of stones, nails, sharp stuff and detritus your going to drive over. It may cause a puncture or throw up items into other vehicles, leading to being reported for poor driving...
It is Bingham bypass, good spot!
I would consider getting past a Daewoo Matiz doing exactly half the speed limit whilst I need to get home for a piss 'necessary', but unsure if the law agrees.
And am I correct in thinking that the red paint has no significance?
SydneyBridge said:
130
Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right.
If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.
If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.
Laws MT(E&W)R regs 5, 9, 10 & 16, MT(S)R regs 4, 8, 9 & 14, RTA sect 36 & TSRGD 10(1)
What exactly does 'necessary' mean?Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right.
If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.
If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.
Laws MT(E&W)R regs 5, 9, 10 & 16, MT(S)R regs 4, 8, 9 & 14, RTA sect 36 & TSRGD 10(1)
I would consider getting past a Daewoo Matiz doing exactly half the speed limit whilst I need to get home for a piss 'necessary', but unsure if the law agrees.
And am I correct in thinking that the red paint has no significance?
SydneyBridge said:
Could not find anything in the highway code about the red
I think it's a bit like beige outlines used. It's supposed to give a better impression of speed. It also adds to the "drama".I think those markings are a good idea, as they do seem to have reduced the number of idiots who believe it's OK to overtake when there are oncoming vehicles. (I use that stretch of road fairly regularly).
billbring said:
What exactly does 'necessary' mean?
I would consider getting past a Daewoo Matiz doing exactly half the speed limit whilst I need to get home for a piss 'necessary', but unsure if the law agrees.
And am I correct in thinking that the red paint has no significance?
Necessity isn’t about whether the overtake is needed or not (who can judge that!). Necessity is about needing that bit of road to safely complete the manoeuvre.I would consider getting past a Daewoo Matiz doing exactly half the speed limit whilst I need to get home for a piss 'necessary', but unsure if the law agrees.
And am I correct in thinking that the red paint has no significance?
Chris
Gassing Station | Advanced Driving | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff