When overtaking is allowed on public roads by drivers

The recent update of the Highway Code in Romania, which entered into force in 2024, brings important clarifications regarding the overtaking maneuver, including the conditions under which overtaking on the right is allowed. These changes aim to increase road safety and reduce incidents on public roads, being essential for any driver aware of his responsibilities.

New regulations for overtaking

The updated Highway Code establishes strict rules for overtaking to minimize the risk of accidents. According to the new provisions, drivers must comply with the following instructions when they want to overtake another vehicle:

• Signaling intent to overtake: This is mandatory before starting the manoeuvre, thus ensuring that other road users are informed of the driver’s intentions.
• Checking other road users: Drivers must ensure that no other nearby vehicles have also signaled their intention to overtake.
• Maintaining proper lateral distance: It is crucial to keep a safe lateral distance from the overtaking vehicle to avoid collisions.
• Returning to the original lane: After completing the overtaking, the driver must signal and ensure that he can safely return to the original lane or line of traffic.

Permissible methods of overtaking

Overtaking can be done in various ways, adapted to the road configuration:

• On the contrary, on roads with only one lane per direction.
• On lane two, three, four, etc., on multi-lane roads and highways.
• In the middle lane, on roads that include a dedicated overtaking lane for vehicles in both directions.

Specific conditions for overtaking on the right

Road legislation allows overtaking on the right in two specific cases:

1. When the vehicle in front is stopped near the middle of the road and intends to turn leftand the width of the road, markings and road signs allow this maneuver.
2. Overtaking trams on the right is also allowed, except in situations where it would contravene other safety regulations or road restrictions. In the case of one-way streets or when the space does not allow passing on the right, trams can be passed on the left.

These amendments to the Highway Code are intended to clarify overtaking procedures and promote safer driving on Romanian roads. By complying with these new regulations, drivers can significantly contribute to reducing accidents and creating a safer road environment for all road users.