V.

Proper Lane Use

Designated Lanes of Travel

Divided Highways

On divided highways, it is unlawful to drive across the dividing section, or make a left or U-turn except through a designated opening.

Lane Roadways

On lane roadways, you must drive within a single lane. You can leave the lane only when you can do so with reasonable safety.

Three-Line Highways

On three-lane highways, you must never drive in the left lane. You must drive in the right lane at all times, and use the center lane to pass another vehicle if it is safe to do so.

Position of Vehicle in Lane of Travel

Marked Lane

Your vehicle must be centered in the lane. If the roadway is narrow, you must drive as close to the right hand edge of the roadway as is safe.

Narrow Roadways

On narrow roads, drive as near to the right hand edge of the road as reasonably possible and safe.

Mountain Roadways

Drive as near to the right hand edge of the roadway as reasonably possible and safe.

Other Vehicle Approaching

You must stay well within your lane and give the approaching driver at least one half of the roadway whenever possible.

Exception to Driving on the Right Side of the Roadway

Exceptions are:

• When passing vehicles going in the same direction on a one-way road

• When the right half of the road is blocked, or

•  When turning left at an intersection or into or out of a private road or driveway.

Required Lane Use and Use of Turnouts

Slow-moving vehicles must drive in the right lane except when passing another vehicle or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private driveway. Also, a slow-moving vehicle must pull into a turnout if five or more vehicles are trailing.

Bicycles and motorized bicycles must stay in the bicycle lane, which is shown by a solid line along either side of the street, four or more feet from the curb.

The Law: Lane Use

Right Side of Roadway

Upon all highways, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:

Divided Highway

Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, it is unlawful to do either of the following:

(1) To drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section.

(2) To make any left, semicircular, or U-turn with the vehicle on this divided highway, except through an opening in the barrier designated. §21654

Slow-Moving Vehicles

Any vehicle proceeding upon a highway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. §21654

Designated Lanes for Certain Vehicles

To facilitate the safe and orderly movement of traffic, the Dept. of Transportation at times designates certain lanes for travel of vehicles at reduced speeds. §21655

Turning Out of Slow-Moving Vehicles

On a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe because of traffic in the opposite direction or other conditions, a slow-moving vehicle, behind which five or more vehicles are formed in line, shall turn off the roadway at the nearest place designated as a turnout by signs, or vehicles following it to proceed. §21656

Lane Roadways

Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety. §21658

Three-Lane Highways

Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes a vehicle shall not be driven in the extreme left lane at any time, nor in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway ahead is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn. §21659

Approaching Vehicles

Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and except when a roadway has been divided into traffic lanes, each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway whenever possible. §21660

Narrow Roadways

Whenever upon any grade the width of the roadway is insufficient to permit the passing of vehicles approaching from opposite directions at the point of meeting, the driver of the vehicle descending the grade shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle ascending the grade and shall, if necessary, back his vehicle to a place in the highway where it is possible for the vehicle to pass. §21661

Mountain Driving

The driver of a motor vehicle traveling through defiles or canyons or upon mountain highways shall hold the motor vehicle under control at all times and shall do the following when applicable:

(a) If the roadway has no marked centerline, the driver shall drive as near the right-hand edge of the roadway as is reasonably possible.

(b) If the roadway has insufficient width to permit a motor vehicle to be driven entirely to the right of the center of the roadway, the driver shall give audible warning with the horn of the motor vehicle upon approaching any curve where the view is obstructed within a distance of 200 feet along the highway. §21662

Safe Driving Tips: Use of Lanes

White lines Painted on the pavement indicate traffic going in your direction (such as one-way streets).

Yellow lines mark the center of a two-way road used for two-way traffic. You may pass on a two-way road if the yellow center line is broken. When a solid and a broken yellow line are together, you must not pass if you are next to the solid line. Two solid yellow lines mean "no passing." Never drive to the left of these lines. Stay on your side of the road. Exceptions:

Lanes For Through Traffic

Many roads have two or more lanes going in your direction. These lanes are separated by broken white lines. You must choose which lane to use. Drive in the lane that has the smoothest flow or traffic. You will save fuel.

If you can choose among three lanes on your side of the road, pick the middle lane for the smoothest driving. If you want to go faster, pass, or turn left, use the left lane. When you drive slowly, enter, or turn off the road, use the right lane.

If only two lanes go in your direction, pick the right lane for the smoothest driving.

Don't weave - stay in one traffic lane as much as possible. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors for vehicles that may be ready to pass you; also turn your head and check beside your vehicle to see if any vehicle, such as a motorcycle, is in your blind spot and to be sure there is enough room for your vehicle in the next lane.

Once you start through an intersection, keep going. If you start to make a turn, follow through. Last second changes may cause collisions. If you missed a turn, continue to the next intersection and work your way back to where you want to go.

Lanes for Turning

Below are some rules to help you when turning at a street corner

Left turn Get close to the center divider line or into the left turn lane (if there is one). When turning left, don't turn too soon and "cut the corner" of the lane belonging to cars coming toward you.

Right turn If you are turning right, get close to the right edge of the road (watch for bicycles or motorcycles between your car and the curb). On a right turn, don't turn wide. Stay in the right lane until you have finished your turn.

Bicycle Lanes

A bicycle lane is shown by a solid white line along either side of the street, four or more feet from the curb. This line will usually be a broken line near the corner. The words "BIKE LANE" are painted at various locations in this lane. Don't drive in a bike lane unless you are making a right turn at a corner or other entrance, such as a driveway. Then drive your vehicle into the bike lane no more than 200 feet from the entrance or corner before your turn. Watch for bikes before entering the bike lane. You may park in the bike lane unless signs say "NO PARKING."

Pedestrians are not allowed in bike lanes when there are sidewalks. Drivers of motorized bicycles should use bike lanes carefully to avoid collisions with bicycle riders.

Safety Zones

Don't drive through a safety zone. This is a space set aside for pedestrians. It is marked by raised buttons or markers on the road. You will most often see safety zones in areas where there are street cars or trolleys using the same streets as vehicle traffic, such as in San Francisco.

Sidewalks

Never drive on a sidewalk unless you are crossing a sidewalk to enter or leave a driveway or alley. When crossing a sidewalk, stop for any pedestrian.

Lanes for Passing

Never drive off the paved or main-traveled portion of the road or on the shoulder to pass. You will know the edge of the main-traveled portion of the road by the white line painted on the road surface. When you want to pass a vehicle or bicycle going in your direction, pass on the left. Passing on the right is dangerous and is legal only:

    •    If an open highway is clearly marked for two or more lanes of vehicles moving in your direction of travel.

    •    If the driver of the other vehicle is making a left turn. Never drive off the road or pass to the left of a driver who is signaling a left turn. (Be careful. Sometimes drivers use the wrong turn signal.)

Don't honk when you pass on the right. The other driver may think you are on the left and "pull over" right into you.

If you need to move into another lane, move only after you have finished a turn you want to make and when traffic is clear.

Carpool Lanes and Controlled On-Ramps

Carpooling and bus riding are useful ways to save fuel and reduce the number of vehicles using highways in heavy commute traffic.

Some freeways have special lanes and on-ramps for carpools. Using a carpool lane requires a minimum of 2 or 3 people in a vehicle, including the driver. Signs at the on-ramp or along the freeway tell you the size of the carpool (number of people) needed to use that lane and the days and hours that the requirement applies. The pavement of these lanes is marked with the diamond symbol and the words "CARPOOL LANE." Do not cross over the double parallel solid lines to enter or exit any carpool lane except at designated entry or exit places.

Some freeways may have a special lane for buses only, or buses and carpools. This lane is also marked by the diamond symbol.

Special Lanes

In high density traffic areas, you may sometimes see an entire street, or a few traffic lanes on a street, marked with cones. The cones indicate that lane or street is being used differently. For instance, to help relieve congestion at sports or cultural event, entire streets or a few lanes will be used for traffic going in the opposite direction from what is "normal" until the traffic congestion is cleared.

Road Markings

A* You may cross a solid double yellow line to turn left.

 Proper Lane Use

B* Two sets of solid double yellow line which are two or more feet wide sometimes appear as a road marking. Such lines stand for a solid wall. Don't drive on or over such a road marking. You may not make a left turn or U-turn across it. Cross only at plainly marked openings.

C and D * Left turn center lane in the middle of a two-way street. The lane is marked on both sides by two paint lines–inner line broken, outer line solid. When this lane is available, use it to begin or end left turns or to start permitted U-turn.

E* Move into the broken-line bike lane no more than 200 feet before turning right. Watch for bicycles and foot traffic. 

Space to Pass

Avoid passing other cars on two-lane roads. It is dangerous. Every time you pass, you increase your chances of having an collision. Ask yourself "if the risk is worth few minutes you will gain. Remember, whenever you pass another car on a two-lane road you must enter a lane that belongs to oncoming cars.

At highway speeds of 50 to 55 mph, you need a 10 to 12 second gap in oncoming traffic to pass safely. You must judge whether or not you have enough room to pass whenever you approach:

Oncoming Vehicles

At 55 mph, you will travel over 800 feet in 10 to12 seconds. So will an oncoming vehicle. That means you need over 1600 feet (or about one-third of a mile) to pass safely. It is hard to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles one-third of a mile away. They don't seem to be coming as fast as they really are. A vehicle that is far enough away generally appears to be standing still. In fact, if you can really see it moving closer to you, it is probably too close for you to start to pass.

Hills Or Curves

To pass safely, you must be able to see at least one-third of a mile. Any time your view is blocked by a hill or a curve, you should assume that there is an oncoming car just out of sight. This means you should only pass if a hill or curve ahead is more than one-third of a mile away.

You must not drive on the left side of a roadway when coming to a curve or the top of a hill where you can't see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe to pass.

Intersections

On a three-lane road, it is dangerous to pass another vehicle where someone is likely to enter or cross the road. Such places include crossroads, railroad crossings, and shopping center entrances. While you are passing, your view of people, cars, or a train is blocked by the car you are passing. Also, a driver turning the road into the left lane won't expect to find you in his lane. He or she may not even look your way.

Lane Restrictions

Before you pass, look ahead for road conditions and traffic that may cause other cars to move over into your lane. You might lose your space for passing because of:

Space To Return

Always signal before passing. Don't pull out to pass unless you know you have enough space to return. Before you return to the driving lane, be sure you aren't dangerously close to the car you have passed. One way to do this is to look for the car in the rearview mirror. When you can see both headlights, you have enough room to return to the driving lane. Don't count on having enough time to pass several cars at once. Don't count on other drivers making room for you.

Never insist on taking the right of way!

Signs and Markings

Many roads have lane markings that tell you when you cannot see far enough to pass.

On a One Lane Mountain Road

When two vehicles meet on a steep road where neither can pass, the vehicle facing downhill must back until the vehicle going uphill can pass. (The driver going downhill has the greater amount of control when backing up.)

Yield to uphill traffic!

Jay Leno owns 18 automobiles!

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