NY Passing Rules: When You Can and Cannot Pass (2026)

When You May Pass on the Left

In New York, you usually pass on the left. Before you move over, check mirrors, signal at least 100 feet ahead, and look quickly over your left shoulder. Blind spots sit behind both sides of the car, so mirrors alone are not enough. From the NY Driver's Manual, Chapter 6: Passing.

• Move completely into the left lane to pass.
• Do not go over the speed limit to pass.
• Before you return to the right lane, signal, check the interior mirror so you can see the front bumper of the vehicle you passed, then look over your right shoulder and leave pavement between you and that vehicle.
• Give a motorcycle a full lane. Never share the lane with a motorcycle.
• When you pass a bicycle, pass on the left at a safe distance until you have cleared the cyclist.
• Never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian.

When Passing Is Illegal in New York

You cannot pass a vehicle on the left if any of these apply:

• Your lane has a solid yellow center line.
• You cannot safely return to the right lane before you reach a solid yellow center line for the right lane.
• You cannot safely return to the right lane before an oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet of you.
• You approach a curve or the crest of a hill on a two-way road and cannot see around or over it.
• You are within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way road.
• You are within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or viaduct on a two-way road and your view is blocked.
• Passing would interfere with oncoming traffic.

Solid yellow on your side means no passing. Dashed yellow means you may pass when it is clear and legal.

When You May Pass on the Right

You may pass on the right only when it is necessary and safe, and only in these cases:

• The vehicle ahead is turning left.
• You are on a two-way road marked for two or more lanes (or wide enough for two or more) in each direction, and signs or parked cars do not block the pass.
• You are on a one-way road marked for two or more lanes (or wide enough), and signs or parked cars do not block the pass.

You cannot drive on or across the shoulder or edge line to pass unless a sign allows it or a traffic officer directs you. Before you pass on the right at an intersection, watch for a vehicle turning left into your path and for people on the right side of the road.

Stopped School Buses

When a stopped school bus flashes its red lights, traffic from either direction must stop before reaching the bus, at least 20 feet away. You must stop even on the opposite side of a divided highway. Wait until the bus moves again or the driver or a traffic officer signals you to go. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is about to stop: slow down and be ready. Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing is 8 points under the current DMV point chart, with fines that start at $250 for a first offense.

Points and Penalties

Per the NY DMV driver point system (checked October 15, 2026):

• Improper passing, unsafe lane change, drove left of center, or drove the wrong direction: 3 points.
• Passing a stopped school bus: 8 points (updated value for violations on or after February 16, 2026).
• 11 or more points in 24 months can lead to a license suspension hearing.
• 6 or more points in 18 months triggers a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee.

The old line that said "11 points in 18 months" is outdated for the suspension threshold. Use 24 months for suspension counting, and 18 months for the Driver Responsibility Assessment. Fine amounts for ordinary improper passing are set by the ticket and local court; do not treat a generic "$100 to $500" range as New York law.

Safe Passing Habits

• Be patient. If you cannot see far enough ahead, wait.
• Signal early and check the blind spot with a head turn.
• If another vehicle passes you on the left, ease your speed slightly and stay centered in your lane until it is clear ahead.
• If many vehicles pass you on the right, move into the right lane when it is safe so others can pass on the left.
• For step-by-step passenger-car tips, see how to pass another vehicle safely.

Passing FAQs

Can I go over the speed limit to finish a pass?

No. New York law says you must not exceed the speed limit to pass.

Is passing on the right always illegal?

No. It is allowed only in the limited cases above, and only when safe.

Do I have to stop for a school bus on the other side of a divided highway?

Yes. You must stop for a stopped school bus with red lights flashing even on the opposite side of a divided highway.

How many points is improper passing?

3 points for improper passing / unsafe lane change / left of center / wrong direction. Passing a stopped school bus is 8 points.

What about motorcycles and bikes?

Give a motorcycle a full lane. Pass a bicycle on the left at a safe distance until you have cleared it.

Practice Passing Skills

Passing mistakes show up on the road test as unsafe lane changes and poor observation. Practice lane changes and highway merges with an instructor before test day. Compare driving packages, or see Road Test Services when you are ready to book.

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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; NY DMV, Schedule and Take a Road Test.