L10 / 8 Minutes

Overtaking & passing

Master the riskiest manoeuvre safely

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Overtaking: the most dangerous moment

Head‑on collisions on country roads are among the most severe crashes. Usually the speed of oncoming traffic is underestimated or the overtaking distance misjudged. So: only overtake when you are sure it will work – and when you are clearly faster than the other vehicle.

facts

Overtake only if …

the traffic situation is clear
oncoming traffic is not hindered
you are much faster than the vehicle being overtaken
enough lateral distance is possible (1.5 m in town, 2 m outside)
you can pull back in without hindering anyone
nobody behind you has already started to overtake you

facts

Overtaking forbidden

When the traffic situation is unclear
At sign 276 (for cars) – and sign 277 for vehicles over 3.5 t
If you would have to cross a solid line
At zebra crossings
At level crossings: motor vehicles may not overtake motor vehicles
Buses with hazard lights approaching a stop

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The maths that often doesn't add up

Overtaking a truck doing 80 km/h at 100 km/h often takes over 500 m. An oncoming car at 100 km/h covers the same distance in that time. So you need about 1 km of clear view. If unsure: don't overtake.

steps

How to overtake safely

Keep a good distance and check the road ahead
Mirrors and shoulder check: is anyone overtaking me already?
Indicate left, pull out briskly
Pass with clearly higher speed and enough lateral room
Indicate right once the overtaken vehicle is fully in your interior mirror
Pull back in without hindering them

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When you are being overtaken

Right

Don't increase your speed
Keep as far right as possible
Slow vehicle with a queue behind? Pull over and let them pass

Wrong

Accelerating to prevent the overtake
Drifting towards the centre
Deliberately blocking the overtaker from pulling in

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Overtaking on the right – only as an exception

As a rule, you overtake on the left. You pass on the right left‑turning vehicles that have indicated and moved to the centre, and trams. In towns, cars may freely choose their lane on multi‑lane roads. On Autobahns, a narrow exception applies to stationary or slow queues.

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Passing obstacles

If an obstacle – such as a parked car or roadworks – is on your side, oncoming traffic goes first (§ 6 StVO). If necessary, wait in good time before the obstacle. Indicate when pulling out and back in. Signs 208 and 308 can set a different order.

signs