Drivers feel discouraged when encountering legendary drivers who like to overtake on the left for long distances, even though they know it is dangerous and illegal, they still do it.
Why is overtaking in the left lane unsafe? Because the left lane is a blind spot that drivers find harder to see (Blind Spot). It risks collisions with vehicles about to turn left or stop by the roadside. Additionally, the left lane often has debris, potholes, or broken-down vehicles that can easily cause loss of control.
Often, sudden cut-in overtakes occur at close distances, frequently causing accidents. These can result from drivers lacking skill or courtesy, as well as environmental and road conditions.
- Observe traffic signs, traffic conditions, and lane markings carefully. Solid white or yellow lines prohibit overtaking or lane changes. Overtaking on solid lines carries a maximum fine of 1,000 baht.
- Before overtaking, assess the situation carefully. Be sure there is emergency space for both your vehicle and oncoming vehicles. Importantly, check rearview and side mirrors thoroughly to watch for cars accelerating to overtake from behind.
- Always signal before overtaking by turning on the right indicator to alert the vehicle ahead to be cautious. When the vehicle you wish to overtake responds with a left signal and slows down, it allows your vehicle to pass safely.
- After overtaking, do not sharply cut back into the left lane in a way that appears like a cut-in, which forces the overtaken vehicle to brake hard or swerve, risking loss of control.
- Danger exists when overtaking on curves, uphill slopes, bridge approaches, or two-way roads, increasing the risk of head-on collisions.
- When overtaking on the left shoulder, beware of poor road conditions such as potholes, debris, metal fragments, drainage covers, or accident remnants that may cause tire blowouts or loss of control. Parked broken-down vehicles on the shoulder can also cause severe accidents.
- Do not overtake within 30 meters before intersections, roundabouts, or pedestrian crossings.
Overtaking on the left is fully illegal because the Land Traffic Act of 1979, Section 45, explicitly states: 'No driver shall overtake another vehicle on its left side.'
However, overtaking on the left is illegal except on two-way roads.
On roads with two or more lanes in the same direction, overtaking on the left is allowed.
The Land Traffic Act Section 45 states drivers must not overtake on the left except in the following cases:
(1) The vehicle to be overtaken is turning right or signaling a right turn.
(2) The roadway is divided into two or more lanes in the same direction.
Overtaking on the left in cases (1) or (2) is permitted only when no vehicle is closely following and it is safe to do so.
Thanks to the Department of Land Transport for the information.