Should you keep a safe distance of at least 1 metre from the vehicle ahead when you intend to overtake it?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
NO
Explanation
In the video we are driving along a street with two lanes in our direction, separated from the tram tracks by a green strip, and we overtake a white van travelling in the left lane. When overtaking such a vehicle, you do not have to keep a distance of at least 1 m - the answer is NO.
The Road Traffic Act requires you to exercise particular caution when overtaking, and in particular to keep a safe distance from the vehicle being overtaken. The rule directly sets a minimum distance of 1 m only when overtaking a bicycle, a cycle cart, a moped, a motorcycle, an electric scooter, a personal transport device (UTO), a person using a mobility aid, or a column of pedestrians. A van is not on this list, so for it simply a safe distance applies - depending on the speed, the lane width and the conditions. In marked lanes it is usually enough for everyone to drive in the middle of their own lane.
Legal basis: Art. 24 para. 2 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)