Steps to Pass on the Left

1. Scan ahead. Make sure there is room to pass and return without rushing.
2. Check mirrors and blind spot. Signal at least 100 feet before the lane change, then look over your left shoulder.
3. Move fully into the left lane. Pass cleanly. Do not ride next to the other car longer than needed.
4. Stay at or under the speed limit. Speeding to finish a pass is illegal.
5. Return when you can see the front bumper of the vehicle you passed in your interior mirror, leave pavement between you, look over your right shoulder, signal, and move back.

These steps follow DMV Chapter 6. For the full list of places where passing is banned, see NY passing rules.

Checks Before You Go

• Is there a solid yellow line on your side? If yes, do not pass.
• Can you see far enough past a hill or curve? If not, wait.
• Is oncoming traffic close? You need enough gap to return before a vehicle is within 200 feet.
• Are you near a railroad crossing, bridge, tunnel or viaduct with a blocked view? Stay put within 100 feet on a two-way road.
• Is a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian? Do not pass it.
• Are you about to pass a motorcycle or bicycle? Give a motorcycle a full lane; pass a bike on the left with clear space.

Passing on the Right

Pass on the right only when the vehicle ahead is turning left, or when you are on a multi-lane or wide enough one-way or two-way road where it is not blocked by signs or parked cars. Do not use the shoulder unless a sign or officer allows it. At intersections, watch for left-turning traffic and for people on the right.

When Someone Passes You

If another vehicle passes you on the left, ease your speed a little and stay centered in your lane until it is safely ahead, then resume normal speed. If many vehicles pass you on the right, move to the right lane when safe so others can pass on the left.

When It Is Unsafe to Pass

• Rain, fog, snow or night glare that cuts your sight distance.
• Heavy oncoming traffic or a short passing zone.
• A stopped school bus with yellow or red lights flashing (stop for red lights; prepare to stop for yellow).
• Anger or impatience. Aggressive passing is how minor tickets become crashes.

This post is for passenger-car and learner drivers. Commercial truck rules have extra requirements; always follow the posted rules for your vehicle class.

Passing How-To FAQs

Should I honk before I pass?

The DMV does not require a horn for a normal pass. Use your turn signal and check the blind spot. Use the horn only as a warning when needed.

Can I pass a motorcycle in the same lane?

No. Give the motorcycle a full lane width.

Is it OK to pass on a dashed yellow line?

Only if the pass is otherwise legal and safe (sight distance, oncoming gap, return before solid yellow).

What if I am still learning?

Practice lane changes on quiet multi-lane roads with an instructor before you try highway passes. See highway driving tips.

Get Coaching on Lane Changes

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About the author

Amir writes for Drive Rite Academy, a driving school serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island.

Reviewed by

Michael, Professional Driving Instructor at Drive Rite Academy.

How we made this guide

We checked every rule in this guide on the official New York DMV pages listed below on October 15, 2026. Prices come from Drive Rite's current price list. Rules can change, so check the linked pages before you go. If you spot something out of date, let us know and we will fix it.

Sources: NY DMV, Chapter 6 Passing; NY DMV, Chapter 5 Intersections and Turns; NY DMV driver point system.