Overtaking Safely on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has a unique road network: no motorways, plenty of rural lanes, frequent buses, and a growing number of cyclists and horse riders. Overtaking here requires patience, awareness, and a strong grasp of the rules. This guide will help you stay safe and confident.

Key Principles of Overtaking on Isle of Wight Roads

• Only overtake when it is legal, safe, and necessary.
• Never assume the road ahead is clear—many island roads are narrow, winding, and often concealed by hedges.
• Be patient. On the Isle of Wight, journeys are short, so saving a few seconds isn’t worth the risk.

The MSPSL Routine for Overtaking

Always follow the MSPSL routine:

• Mirrors: Check interior and wing mirrors.
• Signal: Use indicators where needed to show intent.
• Position: Move closer to the vehicle’s offside (while staying in your lane) to improve view.
• Speed: Adjust your speed smoothly—be prepared to slow down if conditions change.
• Look: Check ahead for bends, junctions, dips in the road, or oncoming traffic.

If there’s any doubt, hold back.

Overtaking Cyclists on the Isle of Wight

• Pass with at least 1.5 metres clearance at speeds up to 30mph, and more at higher speeds.
• Wait behind on narrow lanes—don’t squeeze past.
• Be extra careful near bends, blind summits, or in villages where cyclists may need to move out to avoid potholes or drains.

Overtaking Buses on Rural and Town Roads

• Buses stop frequently, especially on rural routes and in busy towns like Newport, Ryde, and Shanklin.
• Do not overtake if the bus is signalling right to pull away—they have priority.
• When overtaking a stationary bus:
  • Watch for pedestrians stepping out.
  • Overtake slowly and with plenty of room.
• On rural roads, be prepared for buses to swing out wide when turning.

Overtaking Horses on the Isle of Wight

• Slow right down and give them plenty of space.
• Pass wide and slow — ideally at least 2 metres clearance, at walking pace if the road is narrow.
• Never rev the engine, honk the horn, or accelerate sharply—this can startle a horse.
• Look for signals from the rider—a raised hand may mean “please slow/stop.”

Highway Code Rules: Solid White Lines and Overtaking

On the Isle of Wight, many roads are unsuitable for overtaking. Never overtake:

• On blind bends or brows of hills.
• Approaching junctions or roundabouts.
• In areas marked with double solid white lines, unless:
  • The vehicle is a cyclist, horse rider, or road maintenance vehicle
  • They are travelling at 10 mph or less
  • It is safe to do so

This exception is covered in Highway Code Rule 129.

• On narrow rural lanes where there isn’t room to pass safely.

Overtaking on Rural and Coastal Roads

• Anticipate hidden dangers: tractors, walkers, or animals can appear suddenly.
• Use passing places—on single-track lanes, wait in or opposite a passing place rather than trying to squeeze through.
• Plan ahead: Think about where the road opens up safely before attempting to overtake.

Final Tips for Safe Overtaking on the Isle of Wight

• Patience is key—overtaking opportunities are limited, but journeys on the island are short.
• Respect all road users—cyclists, horse riders, and buses have the same rights to the road.
• If in doubt, wait—a safe overtake is always better than a rushed one.

✅ By following these steps, you’ll overtake safely, courteously, and confidently on the Isle of Wight’s unique roads.

Frequently Asked Questions About Overtaking on the Isle of Wight

❓ Can you overtake on double white lines?
Yes, but only in limited circumstances. Under Highway Code Rule 129, you may cross a solid white line to overtake a cyclist, horse rider, or road maintenance vehicle if they are travelling at 10 mph or less and it is safe to do so.

❓ How much space should I give a cyclist when overtaking?
Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking at speeds up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds. Always wait if the road is narrow.

❓ What’s the safe way to overtake a horse on Isle of Wight roads?
Slow down to a walking pace, leave at least 2 metres of space, and pass quietly. Avoid revving the engine or sounding the horn.

❓ Can I overtake a bus that has stopped at a bus stop?
Yes, but with caution. Always check for pedestrians crossing in front of the bus and watch for the bus signalling to pull away. If the bus indicates right, you must give way.

❓ Is it safe to overtake on narrow rural lanes?
Often no. Many Isle of Wight lanes are single-track with blind corners. Use passing places instead of trying to squeeze past.