When lame tractors are annoying: overtaking or crawling behind?

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Tractors, loading wagons and huge combines are in high season from May to September. Grain and corn are harvested, and straw is transported to the barns. Swiss farmers are often on the road until late at night – usually only 30 km/h, uphill or even slower when heavily loaded.

Some drivers swell: Can’t we go a little faster? And can’t even make room? According to Article 26 of the SVG Road Traffic Code, every motor vehicle must be driven in such a way that it does not hinder or endanger other vehicles. Also, according to article 10 of the Traffic Regulations Regulation (VRV), “heavy motor vehicles” traveling at low speeds should make it easier for others to overtake outside of built-up areas (here are the 7 biggest mistakes when overtaking). Meaning: go to the far right and if necessary, stand on the right to let the column pass behind you if there is any space.

Prefer to overtake rather than crawl behind?

However, on narrow country roads, both are often not possible. Some drivers then lose patience, reacting by honking or overtaking even if there is a solid safety line between the lanes. But is this allowed? “I don’t understand why this question keeps coming up,” says BLICK traffic expert Peter Förtsch. “Legislation is clearly laid out in this regard.” Here are the rules:

• Safety ropes cannot be passed on or over. No exceptions!
• Even when overtaking a very slow road user, the safety line should not be crossed. The type and speed of the slow vehicle are not decisive.
• Anyone who ignores the safety line poses a danger to other road users, or at least admits it. This is considered a moderate violation of traffic rules and will result in the license being withdrawn for at least one month.
• Such offenses are subject to additional fines. The costs of the various procedures must be borne by the offending driver.

Source: Blick