At what times should a driver NOT overtake on the left?

Overtaking on the left is generally discouraged in many driving scenarios to maintain safety and adhere to traffic regulations. One key situation where overtaking on the left should not occur is when there is a solid line painted on the road. A solid line indicates that overtaking is prohibited for any vehicles, regardless of the speed of the car in front. This regulation exists to prevent dangerous maneuvers that could lead to accidents, as solid lines often signify areas where visibility is poor, or the road conditions are such that overtaking could be hazardous.

In contrast, while the option about overtaking because the car in front is driving too slow might seem tempting, it does not take into account the legal and safe driving practices established. Driving slowly alone does not justify the choice to overtake dangerously, as there may be various other factors, such as road conditions or traffic laws, that should dictate the action taken.

Moreover, scenarios like approaching roundabouts, going uphill, or other similar situations emphasize the priority of safety and situational awareness. Thus, the solid line serves as a firmer rule regarding overtaking on the left, highlighting that the conditions clearly dictate it should not be done in these circumstances.