A 4-minute lesson from the Idaho course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Passing and being passed are normal, but they raise your crash risk, especially on Idaho's mountain and river-canyon two-lane highways. Pass only when you won't interfere with oncoming traffic or the vehicle you're passing. Signs and markings show where passing is banned, but only you can judge when it's safe.
Passing is prohibited in or near:
Hills, curves, or obstructions on two-lane roads that hide oncoming vehicles
Within 100 feet of an intersection, unless traffic-control devices allow it
Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, unless traffic-control devices allow it
Within 100 feet of a bridge or tunnel when the view is obstructed
A school bus stopped to load or unload passengers
A vehicle stopped at a marked or unmarked crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross
Anywhere you would have to leave the pavement or roadway to pass
In a passenger car, motorcycle, or pickup not towing, on a two-lane road posted 55 mph or more, you may go up to 15 mph over the limit to pass a vehicle going below the limit. Not in work zones.
Funeral processions: always yield to them. Don't drive between or join them unless a police officer authorizes it, and don't pass in the right lane of a multi-lane highway unless the procession is in the far left lane.
Don't enter an intersection while a procession is going through, whatever the light, unless you can do so without crossing its path. All its vehicles use headlights and taillights; the first and last also flash warning lights.
On a two-lane highway posted 65 mph, you're in your car behind a truck doing 50. The road ahead is clear, straight, and outside any work zone. You may go up to 80 mph while passing, then must return right and slow to 65.
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.
Passing is prohibited within how many feet of an intersection, unless otherwise posted?
100 feet
50 feet
200 feet
300 feet
Answer: 100 feet
Passing is barred within 100 feet of an intersection.