Overtaking in built-up areas – is it allowed or not?

The German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) permit overtaking in built-up areas, but only under certain conditions.

Overtaking is only permitted if it does not obstruct oncoming traffic. In addition, it must not be too close to others. Sufficient space must be left for pedestrians and cyclists in particular.

And there are further restrictions

Overtaking is not permitted if the traffic situation is unclear or if a traffic sign prohibits it.
Of course, the speed limit must also be observed when overtaking. In built-up areas, 50 km/h is usually permitted. What applies to crossings and buses? Overtaking is also prohibited at crosswalks and level crossings. The ban also applies when buses approach a bus stop and have their hazard warning lights switched on. Drivers are allowed to pass a stopping bus – but only at walking speed. Departing buses are allowed to merge quickly into the traffic. They are therefore not overtaken. Can you overtake on the right? According to the StVO, you should always overtake on the left. However, there are numerous deviations from this rule in order to support the flow of traffic. One example is roads with several lanes in each direction. Here, drivers are free to choose their lane in urban areas – and may also overtake slower cars on the right.