--- title: "No Overtaking Sign Meaning | UK Road Signs | Fast Track" url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/no-overtaking description: "Learn the UK No Overtaking sign meaning, rules, Highway Code reference P.632, and theory test preparation advice." lang: en --- # No overtaking — UK road sign The no overtaking sign strictly forbids drivers from passing other moving motor vehicles on dangerous road stretches. Image: No overtaking — red, white and black circle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/no-overtaking.svg) A circular sign with a red border containing two cars side by side—one red on the right and one black on the left—indicates that overtaking is strictly prohibited. This restriction is positioned where limited forward visibility or narrow road layouts make passing hazardous, such as near sharp bends, brows of hills, or narrow bridges. ## What this sign means The sign imposes a legal prohibition against passing any moving motor vehicle ahead of you. The prohibition remains in force until you pass an end-of-restriction sign or reach a road layout where the restriction clearly terminates. - Red car on the right, black car on the left inside a red circle. - Prohibits overtaking all four-wheeled motor vehicles. - Does not forbid passing stationary vehicles or slow solo pedal cycles. ## What to do when you see it Drop back to maintain a safe two-second trailing distance behind the vehicle ahead. Do not pull out or cross road markings to attempt an overtake, even if the vehicle in front is travelling below the speed limit. ## How this sign is tested DVSA theory test questions test your understanding of what traffic types are prohibited from being overtaken. Image questions may ask whether you can pass a solo motorcycle or bicycle under this sign. ## Common mistakes A common misconception is thinking you can overtake if the vehicle in front is travelling slowly; speed does not override the legal restriction. Candidates also confuse the red car symbol, misinterpreting which lane or direction is restricted. ## Test yourself on this one Road and traffic signs is the biggest category in the question bank with 102 questions, and signs turn up inside other categories too. Work through them free, no sign-up needed. Practise road sign questions (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/practice) ## Frequently asked questions Can I overtake a pedal cyclist in a no overtaking zone? You may pass slow pedal cyclists or horses if it is safe to do so and you do not breach solid white lines. Does no overtaking apply to stationary vehicles? No, passing a broken down or stationary vehicle is permitted if clear and safe. How do I know when the no overtaking restriction ends? An end-of-restriction sign (a greyed-out symbol with diagonal slashes) or road markings indicate the end. ## Passed your theory? Get the practical booked Your theory certificate lasts two years. Most learners who use it quickly do it with an intensive course — a block of hours with a DVSA approved instructor and a practical test at the end, instead of one lesson a week for months. Intensive course prices: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/pricing All courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/courses Crash courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/crash-courses Automatic lessons: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons/automatic Areas we cover: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons-in Driving test centres: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-test-centres How it works: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/how-it-works Test pass guarantee: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/test-pass-guarantee ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/#organization", "name": "Fast Track Driving Lessons", "url": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/", "email": "info@fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk", "areaServed": "GB", "description": "Intensive driving courses and driving lessons across the UK with DVSA-approved instructors." }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/#website", "url": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/", "name": "Fast Track Driving Lessons", "publisher": { "@id": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/#organization" }, "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Theory test", "item": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Road signs", "item": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "No overtaking — UK road sign" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I overtake a pedal cyclist in a no overtaking zone?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You may pass slow pedal cyclists or horses if it is safe to do so and you do not breach solid white lines." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does no overtaking apply to stationary vehicles?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No, passing a broken down or stationary vehicle is permitted if clear and safe." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know when the no overtaking restriction ends?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "An end-of-restriction sign (a greyed-out symbol with diagonal slashes) or road markings indicate the end." } } ] } ] } ] ```