Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to spend some time with the Wisconsin National Guard, where we convoyed to northern Minnesota for our training. Operating large vehicles in a convoy for that distance is a unique experience that I truly enjoyed, and it provided me with a different perspective regarding the respect we show for large vehicles operating on our roadways.
While I was traveling down the road, the topic for this article became very clear to me as I witnessed numerous passing maneuvers by motorists with either a high sense of urgency or a low sense of patience. The topic is the statute related to passing.
Wisconsin State Statute 346.07, “Overtaking and passing on the left,” states the following: The operator of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. Statute 346.07 goes on to state that the driver of a motor vehicle may not drive on the left side of the center of a roadway in any portion that is marked as a no-passing zone.
One of the questions has been, “Is it allowable to pass a vehicle as long as I start the passing maneuver in a passing zone, even though I may be in a no-passing zone before I return to the right lane?” The answer is no. You must be able to initiate and complete your passing maneuver in a passing zone. It is also worth mentioning that even if you are in a passing zone, you are not allowed to pass if your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed.
Another question was, “Is it allowable to speed while executing a passing maneuver?” Again, the answer is no. The speed of the vehicle you are overtaking must be slow enough that you are able to execute the passing maneuver without exceeding the posted speed limit.
An interesting exception to the no-passing law is that if a vehicle is traveling at less than half the posted speed limit, you may legally pass that vehicle. An important exception to that exception is that you cannot pass any implements of husbandry, or farm equipment, in a no-passing zone, even if they are traveling at less than half the posted speed limit.
Another interesting provision of State Statute 346.07 is that if you are driving the vehicle being overtaken, you are not allowed to increase your speed while being passed.
Putting yourself and your vehicle in the opposite lane of traffic is a risky maneuver at best and a fatal maneuver at worst. Please consider this before you place yourself, as well as others on the roadway, in peril because of your need to save a little bit of time. Plan ahead, leave early and enjoy the ride!
