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Colorado driving lesson · Freeway Driving, Lane Changes & Passing

Passing rules

A 3-minute lesson from the Colorado course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Freeway Driving, Lane Changes & Passing
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
18, 19

Passing means spending time in a lane that may carry oncoming traffic, so Colorado sets clear limits on where and how you may pass. Judge time and space first; if in doubt, stay put.

Know the rule

Normally pass on the left. Passing on the right is allowed only on one-way streets and on roads with two or more lanes in each direction.

Handbook p. 18 ↗

Know the rule

Never pass by driving off the pavement or on the shoulder.

Handbook p. 18 ↗

Know the rule

Before passing, including bicyclists, check traffic ahead, beside and behind to be sure you have enough time and room.

Handbook p. 18 ↗

Know the rule

Change lanes as usual, accelerate past, and return when you can see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.

Handbook p. 18 ↗

Know the rule

Pass only one vehicle at a time; don't count on passing several at once.

Handbook p. 18 ↗

Know the rule

Give bicyclists at least three feet from the outermost part of your vehicle, including mirrors or trailers. You may briefly cross a solid yellow line if there's no oncoming traffic and a clear view ahead.

Handbook p. 18 ↗
Passing another vehicle (lane change sequence)
Changing lanes to pass

Do not pass:

  • If you can't return to the right before coming within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle (or bicyclist)
  • If you can't return before a solid yellow line begins
  • On a curve or hill where your view is blocked
  • Within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing
  • Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel when your view is blocked
  • A bicyclist, unless you can leave at least a three-foot buffer
Handbook p. 19 ↗

Illegal when passing:

  • Passing in a marked no-passing zone
  • Exceeding the posted speed limit to pass
  • Passing a school bus with flashing red lights and stop arm out
  • Passing within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing
  • Passing on a hill, curve or bridge where vision is obstructed
Handbook p. 19 ↗

Know the rule

Wind blasts can knock a bicyclist over. Give more room on rural roads, in large vehicles or in windy conditions.

Handbook p. 18 ↗

Put it into practice

A slow tractor is ahead on a two-lane road with a broken yellow line, and an intersection is 80 feet ahead. Wait: passing within 100 feet of an intersection is illegal. Pass later where you can return 200 feet before any oncoming car.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

On a typical two-lane road, on which side should you normally pass another vehicle?
  1. The right
  2. You may not pass at all
  3. The left
  4. Either side, driver's choice

Answer: The left

Typically you should pass on the left; passing on the right is only allowed on one-way streets or multi-lane roads.

Handbook p. 18 ↗
When is it legal to pass another vehicle on the right?
  1. Only at intersections
  2. Whenever the vehicle ahead is going too slow
  3. On one-way streets or roads with 2+ lanes each way
  4. On the shoulder when traffic is stopped

Answer: On one-way streets or roads with 2+ lanes each way

Passing on the right is only allowed on one-way streets and roadways with two or more lanes in each direction.

Handbook p. 18 ↗
Within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle must you be able to safely return to your lane to complete a pass?
  1. 100 feet
  2. 50 feet
  3. 200 feet
  4. 300 feet

Answer: 200 feet

You may not pass if you cannot safely return to your lane before coming within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

Handbook p. 18 ↗
Within how many feet of an intersection is passing prohibited?
  1. 200 feet
  2. 20 feet
  3. 100 feet
  4. 50 feet

Answer: 100 feet

You may not pass within 100 feet of an intersection.

Handbook p. 19 ↗
Which of these is an illegal act when passing another vehicle?
  1. Returning to your lane after passing
  2. Speeding to complete the pass
  3. Signaling before changing lanes to pass
  4. Checking your mirrors before passing

Answer: Speeding to complete the pass

It is illegal to exceed the posted speed limit while passing another vehicle.

Handbook p. 19 ↗
When is it safe to move back into your lane after passing a vehicle?
  1. Immediately after your front bumper clears its front bumper
  2. After exactly 5 seconds
  3. As soon as you signal
  4. When both its headlights are in your mirror

Answer: When both its headlights are in your mirror

Once you can see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror, you can safely move back into your lane.

Handbook p. 18 ↗
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