When is it permitted to overtake on the left?

Overtaking on the left is permitted primarily when the right lane is slower than the left lane. This situation often occurs on multi-lane roads where traffic may be moving at different speeds, such as in situations where the right lane is experiencing congestion or is occupied by slower-moving vehicles like trucks or cars that are about to turn. By overtaking on the left in such cases, you are effectively maintaining safe and efficient traffic flow, while also adhering to the rules of the road.

In contrast, other scenarios listed do not justify overtaking on the left within the rules of safe driving. For instance, overtaking when traffic to the front is turning left could lead to accidents, as it may not be clear whether the vehicles will yield or have completed their turns. Approaching a traffic signal, regardless of its state, does not provide a valid reason to overtake on the left, as this could create confusion and potential hazards with vehicles stopping or slowing down for the signal. Lastly, driving above the speed limit is against the law and fundamentally contradicts safe driving practices, which further supports why overtaking in this manner lacks any justification.