New York · Handbook chapter 4 · 5 min read

When New York law lets you pass on the left or right, the distances that forbid passing, blind-spot checks, what to do when you are being passed, and the school bus stopping law and its fines.

Why this chapter matters

Passing rules come with exact distances, and the school bus law is one of the most tested topics in New York. Learn the numbers: 100 feet, 200 feet and 20 feet.

General rules

• Drive on the right; pass on the left in most cases.
• Pass only when necessary and safe, and never exceed the speed limit to pass.
• Signal a lane change at least 100 feet before you move.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross.
• Give a motorcycle a full lane width. Never share its lane, even if it is riding to one side.
• When overtaking a bicycle, pass on the left at a safe distance until you are clear of it.

Passing on the left

You may not pass on the left when:

• Your side of the road has a solid yellow center line.
• You cannot get back to the right lane before a solid yellow line for your lane begins.
• You cannot get back before an oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet of you.
• You are approaching a curve or hilltop on a two-way road and cannot see past 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.

How to pass

1. Check your mirrors and signal.
2. Look over your left shoulder before moving out. Mirrors leave blind spots on both sides, so never rely on them alone.
3. Move fully into the left lane.
4. Before returning, signal and wait until you can see the front bumper of the passed vehicle in your inside rear-view mirror.
5. Glance over your right shoulder to check there are several feet of pavement between you, then move back.

Passing on the right

Allowed only when it is safe and:

• The vehicle ahead is turning left.
• You are on a two-way road marked for, or wide enough for, two or more lanes in each direction, and passing is not forbidden or blocked.
• You are on a one-way road marked for, or wide enough for, two or more lanes, and passing is not forbidden or blocked.

You may not drive on or across the shoulder or edge line to pass unless a sign or officer allows it. At intersections, check that oncoming traffic is not about to turn left into your path, and watch the right side for pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters and moped riders.

Being passed

• When a vehicle passes you on the left, slow down slightly and stay in the center of your lane until it is safely ahead.
• If many vehicles are passing you on the right, move to the right lane and let them pass on the left.

School buses

• Flashing yellow lights near the roof, front and back, mean the bus is about to stop: slow down and be ready to stop.
• Flashing red lights mean the bus is stopped for children. Traffic from both directions must stop before reaching it, including in front of schools and in school parking lots. Stop at least 20 feet away.
• The rule applies on every road in New York State, including when the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway.
• Wait until the bus moves again or the bus driver or a traffic officer signals you on. Then drive slowly and watch for children.
• Vehicles carrying people with disabilities may be equipped as school buses. Stop for them the same way.

Most deaths and injuries linked to school buses happen while children cross the street after leaving the bus, not in crashes with the bus itself.

Penalties