WHEN driving on UK roads, it's important to be familiar with the Highway Code's road signs to maintain your safety and that of others.

Here, we explore the meaning of the no overtaking traffic sign.

What is a no overtaking traffic sign?

A no-overtaking sign is a white circular sign featuring a black and red car, with a red border.

The sign is used to instruct drivers that it is not safe to overtake the vehicle in front.

It prohibits overtaking on a road where double white lines can’t be or are not used.

As this sign is encased in a red border it means it’s a sign giving an order – so to overtake is illegal. 

Overtaking should only be done when it is completely safe to do so, because when done improperly, is a cause of accidents.

Speaking about the importance of understanding road signs, Greg Wilson, CEO and founder of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Drivers should familiarise themselves with even the strangest signs to stay safe on the roads.

“The Highway Code does not cover all the road signs in the UK, so the onus is on the motorist to keep up to speed with the latest additions.

"Whether you have just started learning to drive or have held a licence for a long time, understanding traffic signs is vital to driving safely and could be costly if you find yourself unable to recognise their meaning.”

Overtaking can be a dangerous manoeuvre and many drivers each year unnecessarily overtake other vehicles, resulting in an accident.

The first rule of overtaking is only to do so if it is legal, safe and necessary.

Researchers at Nottingham University determined the following statistics when studying police records of overtaking accidents:

• 35% hit a vehicle turning right as the overtaking vehicle was attempting to pass
• 16% hit a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction
• 10% side swiped the vehicle being overtaken
• 8% lost control during whilst overtaking or returning to the nearside lane
• 6% hit a vehicle that was turning or crossing at a junction
• 14% involved 'undertaking' (passing on the left)
• 5% resulted from evasive action taken by a driver when attempting to avoid someone else's risky overtaking manoeuvre

Where would you find a no overtaking traffic sign?

There are a number of reasons why overtaking may not be allowed, some including poor visibility, an upcoming sharp bend, or a dual carriageway moving into a single lane.

This sign is usually placed on sections of road where overtaking would be dangerous. 

There'll often be a plate underneath the sign, telling you how far the restriction extends. 

As a result, you can find them located on bends, dips in the road or where there are hills.

The Highway Code recommends maintaining a steady course and speed if a driver is trying to overtake you and slowing down if necessary to let the vehicle pass. 

Speeding up or driving unpredictably while someone is overtaking you is dangerous. 

Drop back to maintain a two-second gap if someone overtakes and pulls into the gap in front of you.

Rule 165 of the Highway Code states not to overtake in these situations:

• If you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you 
• If you would have to enter an area designed to divide traffic, if it is surrounded by a solid white line
• the nearest vehicle to a pedestrian crossing, especially when it has stopped to let pedestrians cross
• If you would have to enter a lane reserved for buses, trams or cycles during its hours of operation
• After a ‘No Overtaking’ sign and until you pass a sign cancelling the restriction.

Can you be fined for ignoring a no overtaking traffic sign?

If caught overtaking where these signs are placed, it could result in three penalty points on the driver's licence and a £100 fine.

However, if you already have points on your licence, it could add up to disqualification or even a fine of up to £1000.

In other instances, if there are roadworks, motorists must get into the correct lane in good time and should not switch lanes to overtake queued traffic.

The Highway Code says motorists cannot drive through areas of road marked off by traffic cones. 

It is also advised not to overtake if there is any doubt, or where you cannot see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe.