Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall
pass each other to the right; and upon roadways having width for not
more than one line of traffic in each direction, each driver shall
give to the other at least 1/2 of the main traveled portion of the
roadway as nearly as possible.
The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing
of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations,
exceptions and special rules hereinafter stated:
1. The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in
the same direction, shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance,
and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely
clear of the overtaken vehicle.
2. Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the
driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor
of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase
the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking
vehicle.
3. All motor vehicles before passing other vehicles from the rear shall
give notice of approach by horn or other signal before passing; provided,
that said vehicle shall be required when signaled to turn to one side
and give 1/2 the roadway.
4. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another
vehicle only under the following conditions:
a. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn.
b. Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied
by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving
vehicles in each direction.
c. Upon a one-way street or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted
to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions
and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.
5. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon
the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety.
In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement
or main traveled portion of the roadway.
No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of
the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in
the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is
free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit
such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering
with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite
direction of any vehicle overtaken. In every event, the overtaking
vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming
within 100 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly
marked lanes for traffic, the following rules in addition to all others
consistent herewith shall apply:
1. A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within
a single lane, and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver
has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
2. Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes, a vehicle shall
not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing
another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and such center
lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation
for a left turn or where such center lane is at the time allocated
exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding
and is sign-posted to give notice of such allocation.
3. Official signs may be erected directing slow moving traffic to use
a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic
moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway,
and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such sign.
4. Upon a roadway which is divided into four or more lanes, a vehicle
proceeding at less than the maximum posted speed, except when reduced
speed is necessary for safe operation, shall not impede the normal
flow of traffic by driving in the left lane. Such vehicle shall be
driven in the right-hand lane 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.
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle
more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for
the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition
of the highway.