12.1 Passing, Being Passed & the Move-Over Law
Key Takeaways
To pass across a broken yellow line in Massachusetts, a driver must be able to see at least 400 feet ahead and must return to the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet.
Massachusetts allows passing on the right only when the vehicle ahead is turning left, on a one-way street, or on a road where all traffic moves one way, and the road is wide enough.
Massachusetts drivers may never pass using a breakdown lane, shoulder or sidewalk, and may never exceed the speed limit while passing.
A Massachusetts driver being passed must slow down, stay to the right and not speed up.
Massachusetts' Move-Over law (Chapter 418 of the Acts of 2008) requires drivers to slow down for a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights and, on a highway with two or more lanes in their direction, to leave an empty lane beside it.
Passing is one of the riskiest maneuvers a new driver makes, because it can put the car in the path of oncoming traffic. The Manual's starting point: drive on the right, pass on the left when passing is allowed, and pass on the right only in certain situations.
General Passing Rules
- Pass a pedestrian, bicyclist or motor vehicle only when it is necessary and safe.
- Never exceed the speed limit while passing.
- If you have any doubt, don't pass.
- Never use a breakdown lane, shoulder or sidewalk to pass.
- Don't follow closely behind a truck or bus; cars and motorcycles disappear in their blind spots on the right, left, front and rear.
- A motorcycle may pass only single file.
Passing on the Left
On a multilane road with several lanes in one direction, use the middle and left lanes for passing. On a two-way road, a broken yellow line lets you cross temporarily into the oncoming lane to pass when it is safe (section 10.2).
The Manual's five steps
- Keep a safe distance behind the vehicle and check that the passing lane is clear. If crossing a broken yellow line, you must be able to see at least 400 feet ahead. Check your mirror and blind spot.
- Signal left and move gradually into the passing lane.
- Keep your speed up until you are safely past, then signal right.
- Leave enough room before moving back. Wait at least until you can see the passed vehicle's headlights in your mirror.
- Return to the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet. Turn off the signal.
Tip
The passing numbers to remember: 400 feet of clear sight before starting, 200 feet as the latest return point before oncoming traffic, and the passed vehicle's headlights visible in your rearview mirror before you move back.
Passing on the Right
Passing on the right is allowed only when the road is clear and wide enough for two or more lines of vehicles, and only when:
- the vehicle you are passing is making, or about to make, a left turn;
- you are on a one-way street;
- you are on a road where traffic moves in one direction, such as a multilane highway.
Large vehicles add a warning: don't pass a truck or bus on the right unless absolutely necessary. They make wide right turns and may swing left first (section 12.2).
Being Passed
If another vehicle is passing you, slow down and stay to the right. Let the other driver pass safely. Don't speed up.
The Move-Over Law
The Move-Over law (Chapter 418 of the Acts of 2008) protects people working beside the road. It covers stationary emergency response vehicles (fire trucks, police cars, ambulances and "disaster vehicles") and highway maintenance and recovery vehicles (tow trucks, ramp trucks and similar) displaying flashing lights.
| Road | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Any road | Proceed with caution and slow to a speed that is reasonable and safe for conditions |
| Highway with at least four lanes, at least two in your direction | Move over to a lane not next to the stopped vehicle: leave an open lane between you and it. Depending on where it is stopped, that may mean moving right or left |
| Moving over isn't possible | You must still slow down and proceed with caution |
Also be ready to stop, and dim your high beams at night when passing an emergency scene (section 14.1).
Passing Stopped or Turning Vehicles
Don't pass vehicles that are stopped or turning, whether at intersections or elsewhere. They may be stopped for another vehicle, a person or an animal you can't see. The crosswalk version of this rule appears in the pedestrian laws: never pass a vehicle stopped or slowing for a pedestrian (section 9.2).
Common Passing Errors
| Error | Why it's wrong |
|---|---|
| Passing on the shoulder around a left-turning car | Shoulders and breakdown lanes may never be used to pass |
| Speeding up to 60 in a 50 to complete a pass | You may not exceed the limit while passing; if you can't pass legally, don't pass |
| Starting a pass with a hill crest 300 feet ahead | You need at least 400 feet of clear sight |
| Cutting back in as soon as the car is beside the bumper | Wait until the passed vehicle's headlights show in your mirror |
| Speeding up when being passed | Slow down and keep right |
| Passing a car stopped at a crosswalk | The car may be stopped for a pedestrian you can't see |
Introducing Passing Safely
- Teach passing in stages. Start on multilane roads (no oncoming traffic), then two-lane roads with long broken-yellow zones and light traffic, always with commentary: "Sight distance? Oncoming? Mirror, blind spot, signal."
- Make "abort" an option. Students need permission to cancel a pass: brake, signal right and drop back behind the vehicle.
- Practice the Move-Over law whenever a cruiser or tow truck is working on the shoulder: slow down, check the left lane and move over if it is clear.
A driver wants to pass by crossing a broken yellow center line. How far ahead must they be able to see clearly?
At least 200 feet
At least 100 feet
At least 400 feet
At least 1,000 feet
In which situation does the Manual allow passing on the right?
When the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room
On any two-lane road if the vehicle ahead is under the speed limit
Whenever the breakdown lane is empty and traffic ahead is slow
On the shoulder, around a stopped car
On a highway with two lanes in each direction, a tow truck with flashing lights is stopped in the right breakdown lane. What does the Move-Over law require of a driver in the right lane?
Speed up to clear the scene
Keep the same lane and speed, because only police and fire vehicles are covered
Slow down and move to the left lane if it is safe
Stop in the travel lane until the tow operator waves them on
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.