Lessons from the Zentrum Bus Accident: Rules for Overtaking on Toll Roads

A fatal accident involving a Zentrum bus and a pickup truck on the Pejagan-Pemalang toll road serves as a stark reminder for drivers to comply with rules when overtaking vehicles. The incident occurred at KM 259.300 A, specifically in Banjaratma Village, Bulakamba Subdistrict, Brebes Regency, on Tuesday night (17/3/2026). Citing Kompas.com on Wednesday (18/3/2026), the Brebes Police Chief, through Traffic Unit Head AKP Ahmad Zainurrozaq, explained the chronology based on initial scene analysis. He stated that the Mercedes-Benz Zentrum bus was travelling from west to east. At the location, the bus allegedly attempted to overtake another vehicle via the left shoulder. Due to the already close distance, the collision was unavoidable. The bus then struck the rear of the pickup truck and rolled over to the northern side of the toll road. Reflecting on the incident, drivers are reminded to understand the rules for overtaking vehicles in accordance with Law No. 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transportation. Article 109 stipulates that a driver intending to overtake another vehicle must use the lane to the right of the vehicle being passed. Additionally, the driver must have sufficient visibility and safe space to perform the manoeuvre. This provision is applied because the right lane, especially on toll roads, has fewer potential obstacles compared to the left side. The driver’s position is also considered more supportive for obtaining a broad view ahead and to the sides. Nevertheless, under certain conditions, drivers are permitted to use the left lane. However, this only applies if the right lane is obstructed, such as due to accidents, breakdowns, flooding, or vehicle queues. This means that during normal traffic conditions, drivers are still required to overtake from the right side. Violations may result in sanctions according to applicable rules. Furthermore, the use of road shoulders has specific regulations. Based on Government Regulation No. 15 of 2005, the shoulder is only intended for emergency situations, such as vehicles stopping due to technical issues. The following are the rules for using toll road shoulders: a. Used for traffic flow in emergency conditions. b. Intended for vehicles that stop in emergencies. c. Not used for towing, dragging, or pushing vehicles. d. Not used for loading or unloading passengers, and/or goods and/or animals. e. Not used for overtaking vehicles. Anyone violating the above rules may face sanctions in the form of a fine of Rp500,000 or a maximum prison sentence of two months, as per Article 287 paragraph 1. Sony Susmana, Training Director of Safety Defensive Consultant Indonesia (SDCI), also explained several reasons why shoulders are not safe to use as overtaking lanes.