When is it legal to use the shoulder of a road to pass another vehicle?

Using the shoulder of a road to pass another vehicle is illegal in most circumstances, which makes the choice indicating that it is never legal the correct response. The shoulder is designated for emergency use and is not intended for regular travel or for overtaking vehicles. By allowing only emergency situations to dictate when the shoulder can be used, traffic laws help maintain safety on the road.

In typical driving conditions, using the shoulder for passing can lead to unsafe situations, such as collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles. Even in heavy traffic or when other vehicles are moving slowly, drivers are expected to wait for a safe opportunity to pass legally within the travel lanes.