When is it illegal to overtake another vehicle?

Overtaking another vehicle is illegal when there is a solid white line. A solid white line indicates that lane changes or overtaking another vehicle are prohibited in that area. This rule is in place to ensure safety, especially in situations where visibility may be limited or where such maneuvers could lead to dangerous conditions. The solid white line serves as a clear visual cue to drivers that they should remain in their lane, helping to prevent accidents that might occur from sudden lane changes.

In contrast, other options present scenarios where overtaking may be permissible under specific conditions, although they require caution and adherence to traffic rules. Approaching a traffic light, for example, does not inherently make overtaking illegal, but it requires caution as the light may change. Similarly, while an officer directing traffic holds authority over vehicle movement, whether overtaking is allowed or not would depend on the specific instructions given by the officer. At a stop sign, vehicles are typically required to stop, and while overtaking may be illegal at that specific moment, it is not a blanket rule that applies at all times. Thus, the presence of a solid white line provides a definitive rule that prohibits overtaking, ensuring safe driving practices.