How to Overtake Correctly: Honduras Traffic Law Guide & Techniques

Learn how to overtake safely according to Art. 72 of the Honduras Traffic Law. Avoid serious fines and accidents with these defensive driving techniques.

Posted by HonduApp on November 27, 2025 Road Safety Education

Introduction

Overtaking (or passing) is one of the most dangerous maneuvers we perform behind the wheel. According to road statistics, a significant portion of serious accidents on Honduran highways occurs due to poorly calculated overtaking or maneuvers performed in prohibited zones.

In our Dashcam videos, we often see drivers risking their lives and the lives of others just to gain a few seconds. In this article, we will analyze the correct technique for overtaking and specifically what the Honduras Traffic Law says about it.

1. What the Law Says: Articles 72 and 98

Before talking about technique, we must know the rules of the game. The Honduras Traffic Law (Decree 205-2005) is very clear regarding a driver's obligations when overtaking.

Article 72 establishes the mandatory conditions:

  1. Visibility and Space: You must verify that the left lane is free for a sufficient distance so as not to endanger or impede those coming in the opposite direction or the vehicle you are overtaking.

  2. Signaling: It is mandatory to announce the maneuver with your directional signals (blinkers).

On the other hand, Article 98 (Serious Infractions) penalizes severely:

  • Numeral 12: Overtaking without having sufficient visibility or free space.

  • Numeral 11: Overtaking on curves, bridges, slopes, or road crossings (intersections).

2. The Common Error: "Cutting Off" the Right of Way

One of the most frequent errors we capture on camera is when a driver returns to their lane too soon, forcing the overtaken vehicle to brake.

This is not only rude; it is illegal. The law requires that you do not return to the right lane until you have left a safe distance.

Golden Rule: Do not return to your lane until you can see the full front of the vehicle you just overtook (or both headlights) in your central rearview mirror.

3. The 4-Step Technique for Safe Overtaking

To perform a defensive and technical overtake, follow this mental process:

  • Step 1: Evaluate (L.M.S.)

    • Look: Do I have visibility? Is it a broken line?

    • Mirrors: Is someone already overtaking me?

    • Speed: Do I have enough power to pass quickly?

  • Step 2: Communicate

    • Activate your left turn signal at least 3 seconds before moving. Announce your intentions.

  • Step 3: Execute

    • Move to the left lane and accelerate decisively. Do not linger in the other driver's blind spot.

  • Step 4: Finalize

    • Activate your right turn signal. Check the rearview mirror to ensure there is enough space (remember the headlights rule) and return smoothly to your lane without cutting speed abruptly.

4. When should you NEVER overtake?

Defensive driving teaches us that, even if it is legal, sometimes it is not safe. Avoid overtaking if:

  • You see an intersection or vehicle exit ahead.

  • The asphalt is wet, or there is heavy rain (risk of hydroplaning).

  • The vehicle ahead is already overtaking another (do not perform "train" passing).

  • You are in a school zone or dense urban area.

Conclusion

Patience saves more lives than speed. The next time you feel the temptation to recklessly cut into traffic to gain a position, remember that a poorly executed overtake can be the difference between getting home safely or becoming part of a statistic.

We invite you to watch our video clips on social media where we analyze these real-life cases every day.

Do you have doubts about a specific maneuver? Leave us a comment.