When is it permissible to overtake a vehicle on double white lines?

Overtaking a stationary vehicle on double white lines is permissible because the regulation is designed to prioritize safety and ensure that, despite the restrictions of the double white lines, there can be exceptions under certain circumstances. When the vehicle in front is not in motion, the risks associated with overtaking are significantly reduced since there is no chance of the vehicle suddenly moving into the path of the overtaking driver.

In contrast, overtaking while the road is clear, while potentially safe, does not align with the regulations concerning double white lines, which indicate there should be no overtaking in general. Similarly, considerations like speed limits and oncoming traffic also play a crucial role in overtaking maneuvers, but they do not provide justification for moving across double white lines. Double white lines serve to discourage overtaking in areas where visibility and safety are compromised, and moving into an oncoming lane may pose a hazard to other road users. Thus, overtaking a stationary vehicle is the only scenario allowable under these conditions.