When passing on a multi-lane roadway, how much extra margin of safety should you allow before returning to the right lane?

When passing on a multi-lane roadway, allowing for a proper margin of safety is crucial for ensuring the safety of yourself and other road users. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of having enough space between your vehicle and others before merging back into the right lane after overtaking. This margin of safety accounts for variables such as the speed of the vehicles you are passing, their size, and overall road conditions.

This additional space helps to prevent potential collisions by reducing the risk of cutting off another vehicle that may be traveling at a similar speed in the right lane. It also provides you with the necessary leeway to safely gauge the distance and speed of other vehicles, recognizing that merging too soon can lead to dangerous situations.

In contrast, the other options do not address the specific requirements needed for safe lane changes. The width of a car may not be adequate in all situations, as it does not take into account the speed and dynamics of surrounding traffic. Height does not play a role in this context, and while extra time is a factor in making safe decisions on the road, margin of safety specifically focuses on the physical space needed to return to the lane securely.