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Can you overtake cyclists on double white lines?

A short way from my home is a hill approximately 2 miles in length. There are double white lines in the centre of the road. There are lots of cyclists on the road, mostly in groups and commonly at weekends. Given that I need to keep 2 metres away from cyclists, technically, I cannot overtake them because of the double white lines. As one would expect, obeying the law, long queues grow. Some people do overtake cyclists and cross the double white lines. So, if the road ahead is clear and I were to be caught crossing the white lines by a policeman, would they book me or hopefully use some common sense and not bother.

Asked on 28 November 2023 by Royston Williamson

Answered by David Ross
Rule 129 of the Highway Code states the following: Double white lines where the line nearer to you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

The speed of the cyclists is the key point here, so if they are travelling at 10mph or less you would be allowed to overtake safely.
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