When are you allowed to drive on the shoulder to pass the vehicle ahead of you?

Driving on the shoulder to pass another vehicle is not permitted under any circumstances. The shoulder is designed for emergency use, such as providing a safe area for stranded vehicles or allowing emergency responders to maneuver.

Using the shoulder as a lane for passing can create serious safety hazards for both the driver attempting the pass and other vehicles on the roadway, including those already using the shoulder for legitimate purposes. This practice can lead to accidents, as other drivers may not expect a vehicle to be passing on the shoulder.

To safely and legally pass another vehicle, drivers should wait for an appropriate and designated passing zone, where it is explicitly permitted, ensuring that they follow all traffic laws designed to maintain safety on the road.