# 75 Pa.C.S. § 3303: Overtaking vehicle on the left

> Pennsylvania · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3303

## Section

- **Citation:** 75 Pa.C.S. § 3303
- **Heading:** Overtaking vehicle on the left
- **Jurisdiction:** Pennsylvania
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** PA Code / Title 75 / Chapter 33 / Section 3303

## Text

(a) General rule.--The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to the limitations, exceptions and special rules stated in this chapter:

(1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left of the other vehicle at a safe distance and shall stay to the left of the other vehicle until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.

(2) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall not increase the speed of the vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle and shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on suitable signal.

(3) The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a pedalcycle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left of the pedalcycle within not less than four feet at a careful and prudent reduced speed.

(b) Suitable signal defined.--Suitable signal for purposes of subsection (a)(2) shall be as follows:

(1) At all times when head lamps are required to be lighted according to section 4302 (relating to the period for requiring lighted lamps), an audible signal or the intermittent flashing of low and high beams except that the use of high beams shall not be permitted when a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction within 500 feet.

(2) At all other times, an audible signal. (Feb. 2, 2012, P.L.27, No.3, eff. 60 days) 2012 Amendment. Act 3 added subsec. (a)(3). Cross References. Section 3303 is referred to in sections 1535, 3301, 3307, 3326, 3327 of this title.

## Nearby sections

- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3301 Driving on right side of roadway.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3301.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3302 Meeting vehicle proceeding in opposite direction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3302.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3303 Overtaking vehicle on the left.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3303.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3304 Overtaking vehicle on the right.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3304.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3305 Limitations on overtaking on the left.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3305.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3306 Limitations on driving on left side of roadway.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3306.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3307 No-passing zones.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3307.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3308 One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3308.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3309 Driving on roadways laned for traffic.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3309.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3310 Following too closely.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3310.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3311 Driving on divided highways.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3311.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3312 Limited access highway entrances and exits.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3312.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3313 Restrictions on use of limited access highways.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3313.md)
- [75 Pa.C.S. § 3314 Prohibiting use of hearing impairment devices.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3314.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T75_C33_S3303. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.