Under what condition is overtaking permitted?

Overtaking is permitted primarily when the vehicle in front is traveling at a lower speed than what is safe or necessary for the road conditions. This ensures that the overtaking maneuver can be conducted safely and without exceeding speed limits. When the vehicle ahead is moving slower, it creates a situation where other drivers may need to overtake to maintain the flow of traffic and prevent congestion.

In Belgium, as in many other jurisdictions, there are additional rules and guidelines that govern when and where overtaking can occur. It's essential to consider the overall safety of the maneuver, which also involves ensuring that the road is clear and that it is safe to overtake without putting any road users at risk.

While factors like speed limit and road markings play a role in the legality and safety of overtaking, the primary condition allowing for overtaking is the relative speed of the vehicles. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to the dynamics of traffic rather than relying solely on the presence of road signals or markings.