Is it Legal to Pass More Than One Car at a Time on Minnesota Roads?

Have you ever seen someone pass multiple cars at once?  Ever wonder if that person is breaking the law? 

Minnesota State Patrol Officer Troy Christianson provided us with the answer:

Minnesota law does not state that there are a specific number of vehicles that a driver can pass at one time.

Minnesota law allows a driver to increase their speed 10 m.p.h. over the posted speed limit only when the driver:

•  Is on a two-lane highway having one lane for each direction of travel.
• Is on a highway with a posted speed limit that is equal to or higher than 55 miles per hour.
• Is overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction of travel.

Passing should only be done when:

•  It is safe to pass with no on-coming traffic approaching.
• The driver has a clear line of site.
• There are no curves or hills approaching.
• The driver can safely judge the correct distance required to make the pass.
• Passing is permitted on the road.

Drivers should never take chances. I have investigated far too many head-on crashes where the occupants were killed or seriously injured due to unsafe passing. We live in a busy world and often times drivers are impatient and that can lead to taking risks to pass another vehicle. Your life and the life of others on the road are not worth the risk.

Always remember to plan ahead, pay attention, wear your seat belt, drive the speed limit and never drive while impaired. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)