How to Ask The Car behind to Pass/Overtake?

Hi

May be a silly question but couldn't see a proper answer after googling.

The other day I and my friend were travelling in 2 cars through country roads where speed limit is 110 KMPH and friend is on P with speed restrictions. As it was not much busy road, I sat at 100 and he was following me in such a distance where I can see in the rearview mirror. At times some other cars would overtake him and get caught between me and him and i didn't want to increase my speed to 110 either. Whenever I saw overtaking broken marks on the road (of course on our travelling direction), I indicated left , slowed down and slightly moved towards the kerb to tell the car behind that I want him to overtake and he can do it now. Some got the message and happily overtook but some others seems to have got confused and I had to completely move to the space on left (like some open space near bus-stop or start of driveway).

So what is the normal way of telling the car behind to overtake you when its a single lane. Is there any specific rule for it?

Thanks a lot and 'Happy New Year' in advance.

Comments

    • +4

      Thanks. Sometimes asking the less experienced driver to lead is a bit of pain.

      • I appreciate you are a courteous driver and that you have done most everything reasonable to indicate your intent.

        When the driver behind is clearly too stupid to get the message, I use some extra tricks. While the cruise control is off is to just rest my foot lightly on the brake to get the brake lights to show but not to actually apply the brakes. For serious tailgaters but non-overtakers, another trick I apply is the wiper washers.

        Nevertheless, there are drivers who just will never get these subtle messages and is a clear indication of their lack of driver education, insight, incapability or nervousness. My own opinion is these people should not be driving, but our State licensing regimes systemically allows poor drivers this right. These drivers are also the ones that will also never understand the blinker tricks used by truck drivers.

        We definitely do not have the best licensing system in the world. Here are 5 examples of much harder ones: https://blog.vroomvroomvroom.com/2014/08/7-hardest-places-ob…

        With a decent licensing system we may have a chance at weeding out drivers without spatial skills, who should not be on the road, and properly educating those who should never be taught by that unfortunate, yet in Oz highly regarded, driving institute of Mum & Dad.

    • +47

      Technically the speed limit, is a limit not a target. You're free to travel below it within reason.

        • +20

          The speed limit is the max you can do but you can do less if you feel it's safe. Eg towing a heavy trailer or heavy rain etc. you just need to be on the left / slow lane.
          Also holding up traffic unnecessarily is an offence.

        • +4

          That is the shittest answer… You drive to the conditions, if you are traveling with a p plater I see that being an affecting condition. Do you want over size pilots doin 110?

        • Correct, I drive 60 in a 110 zone. Don't feel safe doing more that. Lol

        • +2

          I drive 60 in a 110 zone. Don't feel safe doing more that. Lol

          You're the one none of us wants to get stuck behind. lol The limits on some roads surprise me though - they're often way too high for the particular road.

        • +8

          technically you should be doing the speed limit if you're not a restricted driver

          if its a 110km zone then technically you are meant to be doing 110km/hr,

          Technically according to what?

        • +5

          @Ughhh:

          Correct, I drive 60 in a 110 zone. Don't feel safe doing more that. Lol

          Are you 110 years old?

        • -2

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          You're getting me worried now. I feel like I should be doing 50 in a 110 zone, 60 is too dangerous. I'm not exceeding the speed limit.

        • +5

          The negs shawncro222 received (and I will probably receive too) are just representation how poor is our driving education in Australia.

          While technically there's no law to force you driving at the speed limit, you actually CAN be fined for driving too slowly:
          http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/featherfoot-motor…

          http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/slow-drivers-warned/2718…

          The reason behind it is that slow driving may cause (and frequently does) traffic obstruction, and obstructing traffic on the public road is an offense. Simple, although that said, I see no issues with what OP reported, if you're driving on a P plate, better to be safe.

        • +1

          @Ughhh: you need to stay off the highways. A 50kmh speed difference to what other cars are expecting, you are inadvertently becoming a moving hazard on the road.

        • @OYC:

          I just did 40 in the way home. Cop said good on me for not going over the speed limit.

          .

          (Lol can't believe people are falling for this.)

        • +3

          @galileo77: No, the negs he's received show that people do understand the laws.

          1. shawncro222 rather specifically stated that you should be doing the 110km/hour on a 110km/hour road. This is simply not a true fact. As others have pointed out, 110km is the speed limit, it's neither the recommended speed nor the mandated speed. What you 'should' do is not go above 110km. It's not the case that you should not go below 110km.

          2. While it's true that you can be fined for driving too slowly, 100km/hour on a 100km/hour road is fine. The fine is for driving very slowly. The articles even use phrases like "abnormally low speeds", "obstructing the path", "well under the speed limit". Now I realize these terms are all subjective, but the fact that P and L platers are limited to 100km/hour and allowed to drive on a 110km road proves that the road authority does not deem 100km on a 110km road to be a problem speed. The person who jokingly said they drive 60 on a 100km road on the other hand… that's the kind of thing that may get you a ticket.

        • @galileo77:
          I negged and I am well aware you can be fined for driving too slowly. 10 under would never be considered as unnecessarily holding up traffic so your point isn't relevant in the OP's case.

        • @Ughhh:
          Your negs are a sign they did.
          I thought the law that galileo77 brought up about driving too slow was obvious enough. But apparently not.

        • @galileo77: I think you presumed too much. Shawncro222 was incorrect in saying 'if its a 110km zone then technically you are meant to be doing 110km/h'.
          That is why he was neg'ed I believe. 110kph is the Maximum, so, technically nothing else.

          If the law forces the P-Plater to be max at 100, then it makes no difference if the preceding vehicle is also doing 100kph.

          I consistently, within the law need to drive on average 10kph below the posted limits on a good day, to have a safety margin for the idiot behind tailgating, I make the conscious choice to do so, which is driving to the conditions. When he backs off, I speed up for the benefit of all road users.

          As for other vehicles traveling at speeds below the limit and blocking traffic flow, all well and good, that is entirely a different matter.

          So he receives the negs for being incorrect, and un-educated in road law and safety issues, you were quite correct, and should not be neg'ed.

      • +5

        People seem to think that you must drive at the limit or above. My long street is a 50kmh limit and i always drive on or just below 50 on my car speedo and keep getting beeped and flashed by idiots behind. They are always welcome to overtake!

    • +4

      give them a GPS (which they technically can't use in NSW

      this is for nsw drivers.
      http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/regulation/2014/758…
      (2) This rule does not apply to the driver if:
      (a) the driver is driving a bus and the visual display unit is, or displays, a destination sign or other bus sign, or
      (aa) * * * * *
      (b) the visual display unit is used as a driver’s aid and either:
      (i) is an integrated part of the vehicle design, or
      (ii) is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle while being used,

    • +2

      Wth, show me any evidence that "technically you should do the speed LIMIT".

      Do you you that retarded made up rule to justify tailgating?

  • +1

    I haven't seen this done here but I've seen people using hand signals to indicate a vehicle to overtake. This involves putting your hand out and gentle swerving your palm and fingers back and forth. Not sure whether this is considered dangerous or illegal even so don't hold me to it, just letting you know something I've noticed elsewhere.

    • yes, I have seen this but is illegal as no part of the body should be outside the car. Even waving off keeping hands out of the window will attract fine.

      http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/the-road-rules-you-didnt-…

      • +3

        Passengers, yes.

        It is perfectly normal to use hand signals, and these are generally recognized in the road code.

        • -5

          no one should have hands out the window at any time, not only is this stupid and dangerous behaviour I have seen first hand people lose limbs from having them "hanging out" doors and windows when driving

        • +9

          @shawncro 222:

          Holly shit. Sounds like you got some stories shawncro. Who have you seen lose a limb?

        • +2

          I use many hand signals while driving, but all of these aren't the ones generally recognised in the road code!

      • +7

        yes, I have seen this but is illegal as no part of the body should be outside the car. Even waving off keeping hands out of the window will attract fine.

        http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/the-road-rules-you-didnt-…

        for nsw drivers.
        http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/regulation/2014/758…
        (3) A person must not travel in or on a motor vehicle with any part of the person’s body outside a window or door of the vehicle, unless the person is the driver of the vehicle and is giving a hand signal:
        (a) for changing direction to the right in accordance with rule 50, or
        (b) for stopping or slowing in accordance with rule 55.
        Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

        (4)The driver of a motor vehicle (except a bus) must not drive with a passenger if any part of the passenger’s body is outside a window or door of the vehicle.
        Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

        rr 50
        http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/regulation/2014/758…

        rr 55
        http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/regulation/2014/758…

      • +3

        no cop in their right mind would ever fine you for giving courteous hand signals.

    • This is illegal. In vic it's illegal to extent your arm outside the car to say hi / thanks.

  • +17

    My favorite, is slamming on the brakes while flipping them off with both hands.

    • +2

      I like to throw trash out of my car towards theirs…. they're always in a rush to get away from me after that.
      Make sure to store some sammich in the car during this hot summer for Bonus Points.

  • May be a silly question but couldn't see a proper answer after googling.

    Was it a Google Waymo?

  • +1

    I shudder at some of the posts/remarks on driving laws posted here.

    As I live in NSW I will only quote NSW laws.A learner driver in NSW restricted to 90KPH.

    Observe a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, and observe the posted speed limit where it is below 90km/h

    http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/learner/

    As for P drivers not allowed a GPS as it's illegal. Again in NSW.

    http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/mobilepho…

    As for getting them to pass you, just wave them on when it's safe, it's called courtesy. Believe it or not you break traffic rules 50 to 100 times every time you drive.

    • +1

      As for P drivers not allowed a GPS as it's illegal. Again in NSW.

      this is for nsw drivers.
      http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/regulation/2014/758…
      (2) This rule does not apply to the driver if:
      (a) the driver is driving a bus and the visual display unit is, or displays, a destination sign or other bus sign, or
      (aa) * * * * *
      (b) the visual display unit is used as a driver’s aid and either:
      (i) is an integrated part of the vehicle design, or
      (ii) is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle while being used,

    • +1

      Glad I'm in WA. The only restriction we have is learner drivers can't go above 100. No restrictions on number of passengers, type of car, GPS use, etc.

    • Where does it say in your link that using GPS on P plate is illegal ?

  • +2

    How to Ask The Car behind to Pass/Overtake

    You cannot give instructions to other on the road. Only cops / traffic controllers can do this.
    You can only indicate what you are going to do. It's up to the other road users to decide on what they want to do.

    • +3

      Asking is not giving instructions.

    • More than 'asking' it's 'signalling'. Proper and safe driving depends on conveying what you intend to do and understanding what others intend to do as well.

  • +3

    Not sure if helpful, but I've seen trucks on country roads slow down a bit and put their indicator on for a second or two to signal ahead is free. I'd imagine hazard lights might get people to understand that you're going slow for a reason?

    Only problem with these two is that I'm assuming they're not strictly road legal signs, and I'd hope it wasn't some undercover road cop if I tried it.

    • +1

      Where I come from of you are on a highway you just flash your left indicator a couple of times . That was accepted signal to overtake .

    • +1

      You can radio truckies infront of you on rural roads to ask if it is safe to pass. They normally respond and let you know. Means you need a radio though

  • +1

    I think you worrying and looking in your review mirror all the time would be a distraction to what's ahead . Take one car or make a meet at the next town .
    Safer for all involved .

    • Not worried anyway and not doing anything extra for this. As Part of the scanning side and rear views, I get his position as well. It's not a mandatory thing to be one behind the other car but it will help a lot when the other driver is still new and gaining experience. Another thing I always thought about the temporary speed restriction we need to follow. For e.g my car has space saver as the spare wheel with speed restriction of 80 KMPH. You can think about a situation where a full licence going at 30 KMPH less than the speed limit but fellow drivers not knowing it. I know it's not my problem doing at 80 but thought if there is any such rule or common practice we follow. As someone mentioned above, I have seen some other countries using hand gestures to signal but it's not valid for us in Australia.

  • +4

    You don't have to invite them. Unless the driver is a bit thick if you move over when there is a over taking lane (and presumably your friend on his p's does) then that is enough to "ask them to overtake". If they don't they don't. It's not your bloody problem to invite them or tell them or ask them.

    That being said doing 80 in a 110 zone is dangerous as hell. I don't understand NSW rules….

    • The law is a knee-jerk reaction to a few reckless/incompetent P-platers wrapping their cars around trees.

      Personally, when I was on P's I would remove them when driving on highways (I used to drive the Sydney-Canberra route alot) because like you said, anything below 110km/h in a 110 zone is just plain dangerous and some laws aren't worth dying for.

  • +2

    If you want them to overtake you you probably need to slow down a little more. They are probably simply being conscious of the speed limit, not overly confident drivers, or are simply not familiar with that particular road.

    To overtake someone doing 100 but not going over 110 to do so takes a considerable distance, and if visibility for some distance ahead isn't that good they are probably not prepared to take the risk.

  • +1

    If there is nowhere to pull over to the left, I will always flash my right inidicator once or twice quickly to tell the car behind to overtake. I find most trucks do this as well.

    • +2

      Isn't it more confusing? Right indicator means you are planning to turn right? if so, how can they overtake from right. Something is seriously wrong and the commonsense says against it. But I have heard some Asian countries uses this esp the trucks.

      • +2

        Well, common sense is needed. For example on single lane, long country roads, the chance of a B-Double petrol tanker suddenly turning right into a paddock are slim. Not to mention they need about 500m to slow down from 100 to make any turn. Also you usually see the line markings go from double solid to dashed then see the indicator flash usually means it's clear to go.

        I would never trust this completely, you still have to make judgement calls whether to overtake or not. But it's a simple system and works fairly well.

        All the truck driver or caravan driver is saying by flashing the right inidicator is "I see you wanting to overtake me, I think it's clear".

      • +2

        I drives WA country road a lot and most trucks do this, usually with a combination of veering a bit more to the left. It is confusing since in Asian countries indicating to the right on a single lane can also mean is not safe to overtake.

        Indicating left is also confusing, since the car behind you expects you to pullover soon.

        So I think you should just stick to the speed that you are comfortable with and it is the right and the responsibility of the car behind to overtake you safely. Just ensure you leave enough gap between you and the car in front.

      • I've always pulled to the left and flashed my right indicator. They get it 90% off the time.

  • +6

    I guess the question is, why do L's and P's in NSW have this stupid restriction? Say you were L's or red P's, going 90km/h on 110k/h zone in clear daytime is just outright dangerous. Even going 100km/h would make some motorists not happy especially on roads with 1 lane in each direction.

    • +2

      It's one of the worst road rules we have in Australia.

      • Victoria hasn't got it.

        • I know. Taking all the shit road rules in every state, this is one of the worst.

    • Open speed limits in the NT, multiple cars passing each other on each direction travelling at >200kmph, it was fine.

  • +1

    Find a stretch of road with wide straight shoulders, put on your hazard lights and then slow down into the shoulder safely. I think the cars behind will get the hint.

  • +2

    watch Mad Max 2 - that's your answer

  • +1

    Usually I see people flash their right indicator 1-2 times

    • +4

      Isn't it more confusing? Right indicator means you are planning to turn right? if so, how can they overtake from right. Something is seriously wrong and the commonsense says against it. But I have heard some Asian countries uses this esp the trucks.

      • Well tbh, in a situation where you need to indicate to them that you want them to overtake, it is probably a 1 lane road. Which is why you need to tell them in the first place. If there is no car in front of you, and no where to right turn, and you only flash it 1-2, then its pretty obvious you are telling the person behind you to overtake :)

      • because there is no written rule for this, anything you do in this instance is confusing (to one or the other).

        However, giving a right indicator once or twice has been practiced since long. It works most of the times cuse, if there is no right turn to take and there is no vehicle infront of the vehicle giving the right indicator, it is ought to be meant for the vehicle following to use the cue and overtake.

        I have never used the indicator myself (cuse am usually at the limit speed), but I have on several occasions overtaken vehicles that gave the cue with a right indicator.

  • Years ago a lot of trucks used to flash their r/h indicator a couple of times (some still do)but the risk of liability if something happens has forced employers and drivers to rethink this action..Legal responsibility should always be considered "i was only being courteous" will not help you if you signal a car past and something happens.

    • +1

      I'm pretty sure there would be no liability. Even if there was, it be pretty damn hard to prove that you flashed your indicator, or had the intention of telling them to overtake when you did flash it

  • +1

    slow down to 70 or 80 in an overtake zone and the person behind you will get it, if they don't - then it looks like they're happy being behind you and just let it be

  • Maybe just get yourselves a couple of walkie talkies so you can at least communicate. Less stress than having to get others to overtake as not everyone wants to make the maneuver to do so.

  • -4

    Why do some people leave their headlights on during the day?
    It's mostly those with LED headlights.

    Is it to grind more ego or?

  • +2

    I find there's two type of drivers (related to this situation)- ones who are confident enough to overtake and one's who don't have the guts to overtake. If the car overtook your friend, they're most likely waiting for the right time to overtake you too.

  • In Queensland, its done by one or two flashes of the right hand indicator. Particularly where you as the driver in front have a clearer view than the person wishing to overtake.

    Truck drivers use this frequently as they know you cant see and would rather get rid of you.

  • Ok, has any one answered OP's question to the point? It looks like a debate has started about whether to or not keeping up to the indicated speed limit. I am quiet not sure either coz, I'm unable to find any road rule material related to his question too.

    • +1

      There's no written rule for telling a car behind it's safe to pass because the onus is on the car behind to figure that out. Or simply follow behind.

  • +1

    "I'm unable to find any road rule material related to his question too."

    Common sense doesn't make an appearance in the the Traffic Regulation Hand Book.

    It is written down to the lowest common denominator.

  • +2

    When I and a few friends go for a cruise, we always plan out spots where we can pullover and wait for others to catch up in the event we get separated. These locations include towns, shops, turn-offs(where possible), or improvised stops in obvious locations - i.e a wide shoulder. This is also very useful if someone does not have a GPS.

    If I was in a situation where I was unable to do the signed speed limit, whether it be due to running a space-saver wheel or towing something, I'd pull over at the next possible and safest place I could and let any traffic caught behind me past. It keeps everyone on the road happy then - I'd no longer have people sticking up my bumper and they'd be no longer getting frustrated. Another benefit is that they'll be less likely do something dangerous to get around, thus keeping the roads safer. More people need to be considerate on the road.

    As for situations where you may be traveling one or two clicks under the limit, leave it up to the driver behind. They'll overtake when or if they want to.

    • +1

      2nd paragraph. Nice common sense here.

      If only we could all play nicely together the roads would be a lot safer…

  • +3

    If you moved left and stayed at 100kmh, the guy overtaking at 110 would take 42 seconds. It would take 1.2km
    If there is a car coming the opposite direction at the speed limit, it would need to be 2.5km away to succesfully complete the overtake. (barely?!?)

    You can adjust the math and see it actually takes a while to pass someone.
    I'm guessing the ones who did not pass weren't comfortable with being on the opposite side of the road for that long.

    • -1

      42 Seconds? If you start your overtake 20 metres behind the car and move back into your lane 20 metres in front of the overtaken car it should take approx. 16 seconds. Thoug,h still travelling close to 500 metres on the other side of the road..

      • +3

        20 metres would put you at less than a second away from the car you are overtaking behind and in front.

        100kmh = 27 m/s
        so say, 2 seconds behind and 2 seconds in front before re-merge?
        54 metres behind, 54 metres in front, say 5 metres for the actual car, all up 113m?
        10kmh = 2.7m/s
        113/2.7 = 41 seconds?
        41 seconds at 110kmh = 1100 metres

        Different starting numbers make all the difference i guess!
        And i suck at that sort of math, but it looks ok to me.

        • +2

          fair enough but no one starts a overtaking move from 54 metres behind a car. That would take you 20 seconds just to catch the car in front of you.Even though I calculated it at 20 metres I would generally do it around 5-10 metres.

          PS. Your maths is fine :)

        • +1

          @dj69:
          Sorry I forgot to address the "20 metres would put you at less than a second away from the car you are overtaking behind and in front"
          That would only be the case if the car was stationary. moving at 110 v 100 it's about 6 seconds

  • +1

    Do nothing. The ones who want to overtake, will, at the available opportunity.

  • Technically it is a New Year but for some others perspective it isn't, so enjoy the journey :D

  • +1

    Do nothing.

    The person behind should overtake when safe if they are a competent driver. No need to extend an invitation for them to do so.

    Every now and then there is an overtaking section. Just do your part and stay to the left to let other cars get past and then carry on. Or the other car can overtake as they wish when the line markings permit them to do so.

  • Flashing hazard lights for a second or two seems to work.

    • I thought that was the new way to say thank you?

      • +2

        I thought that was that you had a bomb in your car that will detonate if you go under 50mph.

  • +1

    mate, just open your window and wave them through..

  • +2

    Happy new year to all!

    Most of it has already been said but just to add my 2c

    You CAN be booked for going too slow for no reason, and it happened to me

    A couple of years ago I was travelling on the Hume Hwy NSW and for "some reason" my speed had dwindled down to about 60-70km (hint: had something to do with sending text msgs on mobile for which I was totally guilty and ashamed of it)

    But the copper said I was hindering traffic without a valid reason and fined me. (obvioulsy when he asked what was my reason I couldnt say the real reson but said I was distracted by listening to the radio hahaha).

    Having said that, travelling with another car on Ps I think is a valid reason.

    EDIT: being the son of an interstate truckie I know that flashing RIGHT turn signal for 2-3 flashes works for trucks every time. As is the courtesy LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT after passing. But car drivers get confused by this so I dont do it for cars.

  • +1

    When I travel into the country trucks give a quick flick of the indicator (right hand side) as a courtesy to say it's safe to overtake.

    I guess that must be the rule if your looking for one.

    • I indicate right as a courtesy to say it's NOT safe to overtake.
      (as it would be illegal to overtake a vehicle that has indicated right.

      If anything, you should indicate left.

      • like i said a quick flick
        if you are indicating right to warn someone that its not safe you are confusing them and could cause an accident as its common for trucks to use this method to let people know its safe.

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