In which situation is it appropriate to pass a vehicle on the left?

Passing a vehicle on the left is appropriate when the right side of the road is obstructed. This situation may arise when there are obstacles such as parked cars, construction zones, or debris that prevent safe passage on the right side. In these cases, it is necessary and legal to move to the left lane to safely pass the vehicle ahead. It is crucial to ensure that this maneuver is done safely and sufficiently, ensuring that you signal your intentions and check your blind spots to avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.

In contrast, passing at a red light is typically illegal unless you are specifically in a turn lane. Leaving a parking lot usually involves maintaining control and situating yourself properly on the road, rather than passing. Additionally, passing only in residential areas is too restrictive, as passing on the left is often applicable in many situations outside of residential settings, provided it is safe and legal to do so.