When can you legally exceed the posted speed limit to pass another vehicle?

Explanation

Never. You are not legally allowed to exceed the posted speed limit, even when passing another vehicle. The speed limit is the law – not a suggestion that you can ignore to get around someone. Some drivers mistakenly think it’s okay to “go 5 or 10 mph over” just to pass, but if the speed limit is, say, 55 mph, that is the maximum you’re permitted to travel, regardless of passing. If the car in front of you is going slower than the limit and you want to pass, you must do so within the limit. That means you might need a longer passing distance, or you may have to be patient until you can pass safely without speeding. If you can’t pass them without speeding, you simply shouldn’t pass. In practical terms, this often means planning your pass for a longer straightaway where you have plenty of room. Keep in mind also that if the vehicle is going at or near the speed limit and you feel the need to pass, speeding would not be justified by law. It’s worth noting that if you do speed to pass and a police officer observes it, you can be ticketed for speeding. There is no special exemption in traffic laws that says “you can speed to get around a slowpoke.” So, legally, you must never exceed the posted speed limit to overtake another car. If you find yourself needing to, then the passing maneuver itself is not legal or safe at that moment.