Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event, except as permitted in subsection (c) and (d) of this section, shall such movement be made by driving off the roadway, main traveled portion, or regular moving traffic lane of the highway.
(b) Overtaking and passing on the right, except as permitted herein, shall be unlawful:
(1) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
(2) Upon any roadway which is officially marked for more than 1 traffic lane in 1 direction;
(3) Upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to 1 direction of movement and the roadway is of sufficient width for 2 or more lanes of moving vehicles.
(c) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn, the vehicle approaching from the rear may pass on the right using the shoulder if necessary.
(d) When the overtaking vehicle is a Delaware Department of Transportation authorized vehicle or an emergency vehicle, as defined in § 4106(e) of this title, responding to an emergency, the overtaking vehicle may pass on the right using the shoulder if necessary.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Delaware Code Title 21. Motor Vehicles § 4117. When overtaking on the right is permitted - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/de/title-21-motor-vehicles/de-code-sect-21-4117/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)