Shazaam.... sorry mate but your interpetation of overtakes on double whites may be correct for the US & other areas but in the UK it is a no no unless as specifically mentioned in the highway code
Quote:
"If you can’t convince the officer, take it to court. Argue that your pass was SAFE. Get the officer to agree that you didn’t force oncoming traffic off the road and you didn’t cut your pass short and sideswipe the overtaken car or truck. Argue that the pavement markings alone don’t mean you were being unsafe or reckless. Offer magazine performance test reports for your model motorcycle as proof that it’s acceleration and ability to stop in an emergency gives you an added margin of safety in such situations.
One more thing. Since the dotted line is designated permissive to pass, you can begin anywhere (even in the last foot) where it is dotted. This is consistent with the rules for establishing a minimum passing sight distance. You don’t have to complete your pass in the dotted zone, you can complete your pass in the solid line zone without breaking the law. If you’re cited for being over the double-yellow in this situation, explain the above minimum sight distance and highway marking design criteria to the officer, and if ticketed go to court - you’ll win." |
If you go to court in the UK and quote either of the criteria you mention you will convict yourself, saving the Police the trouble.
In the UK the offence is absolute - if you cross the solid line and the exemptions quoted above do not apply then you are guilty.
The only chance you have to get away with this is if you can show that the double white line system did not conform to the uk regs, ie the solid line on your side is immediately preceded by two feeder arrows indicating you should return to the nearside and for both lines to be separated by a cats eye or similar reflector stud system throughout their length.
You will also find that most cops whilst possibly giving a warning for a slight exceeding of the speed limit will prosecute you immediately for contravening asolid white line.
Andy
[Edited on 29-5-2004 by Rushjob]