When is it safe to return to your lane after passing a vehicle?

The correct answer emphasizes that it is safe to return to your lane after passing a vehicle when you can see its headlights in your rearview mirror. This indicates that you have successfully cleared the vehicle you passed, and it is now at a safe distance behind you.

Seeing the headlights means that you have enough space to merge back without risking a collision with the other vehicle. It provides a clear visual cue that you have created adequate distance to ensure safety. Once the headlights are visible, it signifies that the other vehicle is not directly behind you and allows for a smooth transition back into your lane.

While seeing the vehicle in your rearview mirror is a good sign, it does not guarantee that the vehicle is at a safe distance. Similarly, seeing the vehicle and your side mirror might not ensure safe clearance, and the five-second rule, while useful in some contexts, might not apply to all passing scenarios and can lead to misjudgments about distance.