Ch. 5 · Driving Method

In sections where the center line of the road is marked with a solid yellow line, crossing over to the right side to overtake the vehicle ahead is prohibited, but overtaking within the lane without crossing the center line is permitted.

[True / False · Medium]

Answer: ✓ True

Explanation

This statement is correct. Chapter 5, Section 6 of the Rules of the Road (Overtaking, etc.) states that when there is a solid yellow line (no crossing for overtaking marking), you must not cross over to the right side of the road to overtake. However, overtaking within the range that does not involve crossing over is not prohibited. If you do not cross the center line, it is possible to overtake safely within the same lane.

Driving school curriculumStage 1 – Topic 11: Overtaking

Hikari
Hikari
Wait, if there's a solid yellow line, doesn't that mean no overtaking at all?
Misaki
Misaki
The solid yellow line means you can't cross to the right side to overtake, but you can still pass within your lane if there's room. That's correct.
Hikari
Hikari
Oh, so it's about not crossing the line, not about overtaking itself?
Misaki
Misaki
Exactly. Stay in your lane and you're fine—the yellow line just blocks you from moving into oncoming traffic.

Source: Ch. 5 Driving Method · Section (第６節 追越しなど) · 第６節 追越しなど

🤖 Dig deeper with AI

Send this question's context to ChatGPT for a richer explanation. The prompt also asks the AI to point you back to this chapter's practice quiz.

🚀 Ask ChatGPT

If the button doesn't open ChatGPT, tap Copy and paste it into Claude, Gemini, or any other LLM you prefer. On a free plan, Claude (claude.ai) tends to produce more accurate explanations that respect this site's content.

← Back to all Ch. 5 questions

See the glossary for definitions of key terms.

Source content excerpted from the NPA “Rules of the Road” instructional manual, in the public domain under Japanese Copyright Act Article 13(2). Explanations are AI-assisted and copyrighted by the MenkyoQuest editorial team.