Passing on the right — Rhode Island Permit Test

You may pass on the right when the vehicle ahead is making or about to make a left turn.

A car stopped to turn left would block the whole road if no one could go around it.

A driver may pass on the right of another vehicle only as follows:

You may also pass on the right on a one-way street wide enough for two or more lanes and free of obstructions or parked cars.

On a narrow street a car passing on the right ends up in parked cars or on the curb.

On a one-way street or roadway wide enough for two or more lanes of traffic and free of obstructions or parked vehicles.

You may never drive off the pavement or the main traveled part of the road to pass a vehicle.

The shoulder can hide walkers, mailboxes and soft gravel that pulls the car off the road.

Under no conditions can you drive off the pavement or main traveled portion of the road to pass a motor vehicle.

Passing on a hill, a curve, a railroad crossing, at an intersection, over solid lines or entering a tunnel or bridge is dangerous.

Over a hilltop you cannot see the car coming toward you in the passing lane.

Passing on a hill, curve, railroad crossing, at an intersection, where signs prohibit, over solid lines, entering a tunnel or bridge, or over the posted speed limit is dangerous and may be the last mistake you make.

When may you pass another vehicle on the right?

When it is turning left. A car stopped to turn left would block the whole road if no one could go around it. Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, p.34: “A driver may pass on the right of another vehicle only as follows:”