You should avoid overtaking in the following situations:
- When you do not have clear visibility of the road ahead, such as on bends, corners, the brow of a hill, humps, or near junctions.
- In poor weather conditions like rain, fog, snow, ice, or high winds that reduce visibility and road traction.
- Where road markings or signs prohibit overtaking, for example, double solid white lines or no-overtaking signs.
- Approaching hazards such as roadworks, pedestrian crossings, school crossings, or level crossings.
- When the vehicle in front is indicating a right turn, even if its position suggests otherwise.
- When it is not necessary or when the time gained by overtaking is minimal.
- On narrow roads, bridges, or other unsafe road segments where overtaking is risky.
- When oncoming traffic is close or when the vehicle to be overtaken accelerates, requiring abandonment of the overtaking manoeuvre.
Also, it is illegal to overtake by crossing double solid white lines unless in exceptional cases like passing slow-moving vehicles traveling under 10 mph.
Overtaking at night requires extra caution, ensuring the road ahead is clear and no hazards like bends or junctions are near.
Additionally, never exceed the speed limit while overtaking, as it is enforced at all times.
In summary, avoid overtaking when visibility is poor, road conditions are hazardous, road signs/markings prohibit it, hazards are approaching, or when the manoeuvre is unnecessary or unsafe.
