Is speeding to pass a vehicle legal in Georgia? What the law says
Speeding on the road is tempting, especially for those running late to work or just needing to get somewhere faster than the person ahead.
So if Georgia drivers get behind a slow-poke, can they legally speed to pass them? Even just a tad bit? Let’s see what the law says:
Is it legal to speed in order to pass a vehicle on the road in Georgia?
Drivers have to abide by the speed limit and other passing laws to do so in Georgia, even with someone slow in front of them.
Speeding for any reason is against the law in Georgia, and will most likely get drivers in trouble with law enforcement.
Georgia has “absolute” speeding laws or “maximum lawful vehicle speeds,” which are as follows:
30 miles per hour in any urban or residential district, unless otherwise designated by appropriate signs and 35 miles per hour on an unpaved county road unless designated otherwise by appropriate signs
70 miles per hour on a highway on the federal interstate system and on physically divided highways
70 miles per hour on a highway on the federal interstate system which is inside of an urbanized area of 50,000 population or more
65 miles per hour on those sections of physically divided highways without full access control on the state highway system, provided that such speed limit is designated by appropriate signs
55 miles per hour in other locations
Of course, speeding laws aren’t the only restrictions drivers need to be aware of when passing a vehicle on the road.
Here are some other things to know:
What are some other passing laws in Georgia?
Passing laws in the Peach State can get tricky, with specific passing laws regarding two-lane roads, hills and curves, bridges and more.
According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, passing is prohibited in the following cases:
On two-lane roads:
In area marked by a solid yellow line on the right of the center line, or a “Do Not Pass” sign, or double yellow lines
Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing
Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel
When a car approaching from the opposite direction makes passing unsafe or will be within 200 feet of your vehicle prior to the completion of a passing maneuver
On a hill or curve where it is not possible to see oncoming vehicles which might be close enough to be a hazard
On the shoulder of the road
When a school bus is stopped to load or unload passengers
However, passing is permitted when:
Lawfully overtaking and passing another vehicle going in the same direction
An obstruction makes it necessary to drive to the left of the center line, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic
A roadway includes two or more marked lanes in the same direction
A roadway with more than one lane is restricted to one-way traffic. Upon a multi-lane, two way highway, you must never drive to the left of the center line except when authorized to do so by traffic control signals or signs or when making a left turn into an alley, private road or driveway
Here’s what to do when passing a vehicle:
Activate your left turn signal as you begin passing
Pass on the left and do not return to the right lane until your vehicle is safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. Wait until you can see the car you have just passed in your rear view mirror
Activate your right turn signal before returning to the right lane. Be sure to turn your signal off once you have returned to the right lane
Have more questions? Let me know at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
