On a Scottish single-track road, use a passing place to let another vehicle through: pull into one on your left, or wait opposite one on your right. Give way to uphill traffic whenever you can, and reverse to a passing place if needed. Never park in a passing place.
How passing places work
Most single-track roads are wide enough for only one vehicle at a time. Passing places provide occasional room to pass; they may be staggered along the road, and not every road has them at regular intervals.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Highway Code Rule 155 gives the formal procedure for oncoming traffic and for a driver behind who wants to overtake:
“If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Give way to road users coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass.”
#1 Best Overall
Highway Code Rules 155–156 set out the instructions. Choose a position that gives the other vehicle room and that you can reach safely; do not pull into a space if doing so would put you or another road user at risk.
If the passing place is on your left
Pull into it to allow the other vehicle through, making sure you are fully clear of the running lane where possible.
If the passing place is on your right
Wait opposite it rather than crossing into it. This leaves the space available for the approaching driver to use.
Recommended Free Tools
If uphill traffic is approaching
Give way to road users coming uphill whenever you can. If neither vehicle can pass safely where it is, reverse to a passing place when necessary. Road Safety Scotland advises reversing to a passing place if it is nearer to your vehicle when you need to let an approaching vehicle pass.
If a vehicle behind wants to overtake
Rule 155 includes this situation too: use a left-side passing place or wait opposite one on your right so the other driver can pass. Do not speed up or make a sudden manoeuvre to create room.
Can you park in a passing place?
No. Highway Code Rule 156 says, “Do not park in passing places.” They are there to let traffic pass, and leaving a vehicle in one can obstruct other road users.
Rank #4
Drive to what you can see
Passing places do not remove the hazards of narrow rural roads. Blind bends, hidden dips, concealed junctions, uneven surfaces, farm vehicles, animals and people walking or cycling may all limit the time or space available to react.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Reduce speed when visibility, road surface or traffic conditions call for it. Drive at a speed that lets you stop within the clear distance you can see.
- Slow down and give space to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
- Stay alert for large or slow-moving vehicles and unexpected hazards.
- Put away phones and avoid adjusting sat-nav equipment while driving.
Road Safety Scotland also notes that emergency services may take longer to reach incidents in remote areas, where locations can be harder to find. That is another reason to drive cautiously rather than relying on a last-second reaction.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Courtesy that helps traffic flow
Be patient: a vehicle may need time to reach a passing place or reverse to one. VisitScotland recommends a friendly wave or flash of headlights to let another driver know you have seen them and are giving way. This is courtesy advice, not a substitute for safe positioning or a Highway Code rule.
Do not assume that a wave gives you permission to move into a space unless the way is clear. Make your own checks and proceed only when it is safe.
Plan the route and allow time
Narrow, winding roads can make journeys longer and overtaking more difficult. Allow extra time and do not rush. Before setting off, check for roadworks or diversions and plan your route. Road Safety Scotland suggests setting a sat-nav before driving or taking a map; use a map only before the journey, when stopped safely, or with a passenger’s help. For current traffic and road conditions, check reliable updates before you travel.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
