The RAC has recently provided clarification on the often-misunderstood driving manoeuvre known as 'undertaking' on UK roads, highlighting that many motorists may be inadvertently breaking the law. While generally considered illegal, there are specific scenarios where undertaking is permitted, a nuance that appears to be lost on a significant portion of the driving public.
Accordingers to the RAC's guidance, undertaking is permissible under certain conditions. The primary exception applies when traffic is moving in queues and the lane to the left is progressing faster than the lane to the right. In such a situation, a driver may legally proceed past vehicles in the right-hand lane. Another specific instance where undertaking is allowed is when a vehicle is signalling to turn right and has left sufficient space on its left-hand side for another vehicle to pass.
However, outside of these defined circumstances, undertaking remains an illegal manoeuvre. Drivers found to be undertaking improperly could face serious consequences, including three penalty points on their driving licence and a minimum fine of £100. In more severe cases, or if the manoeuvre is deemed dangerous, the penalties could be significantly higher, potentially involving court action and more substantial fines or points.
The clarification from the RAC comes amidst ongoing concerns about road safety and driver awareness of the Highway Code. The organisation stresses that even when undertaking is technically legal, drivers should exercise extreme caution and only perform the manoeuvre when it is absolutely necessary and safe to do so. The emphasis remains on maintaining road safety and preventing collisions.
This guidance serves as an important reminder for UK drivers to familiarise themselves with the intricacies of the Highway Code. Misinterpreting or being unaware of specific rules can have direct legal and financial implications, as well as contributing to unsafe road conditions. The RAC's intervention aims to improve driver understanding and adherence to traffic laws, ultimately contributing to safer roads for everyone.