New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsMedium
You are driving on a road with a maximum speed limit of 55 mph. You observe a car ahead of you traveling at 40 mph, and there are no signs prohibiting passing. When is it permissible to pass this vehicle on the right?
- AWhen you are on a highway with at least two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction as you.
- BIt is never permissible to pass on the right in New York State.
- CIf the vehicle ahead is traveling significantly below the speed limit, you can pass on the right on any road.
- DOnly if the vehicle ahead is signaling a left turn and there is a paved shoulder wide enough for safe passing.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. When you are on a highway with at least two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction as you.
In New York State, you are generally required to pass on the left. However, passing on the right is permitted on highways with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, or if the vehicle ahead is making a left turn and there is a safe, paved shoulder or sufficient lane width to pass.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is incorrect; there are specific circumstances where passing on the right is allowed.
- C. Passing on the right is not permitted on 'any road' just because a vehicle is slow; specific conditions must be met.
- D. This is one specific exception, but not the only one. The question asks when it is permissible, implying broader conditions.
Passing on the Right (NYS)
In New York State, passing on the right is generally restricted but permitted under specific conditions, primarily on multi-lane highways or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
- Allowed on highways with two or more lanes in the same direction.
- Allowed when the vehicle ahead is making a left turn.
- Must be done safely and without driving off the paved portion of the roadway.
Memory trick: Right pass? Multi-lane or left turn's gain!