Section 18-2201. DRIVING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY: PROPER USE OF THE ROADWAY  


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    2201.1Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:

     

    (a)When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under this section governing such movement;

     

    (b)When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the roadway; Provided, that any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the roadway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;

     

    (c)Upon a roadway designated and signed for one-way traffic; or

     

    (d)Upon a roadway divided into three (3) marked lanes for traffic under the applicable rules.

     

    2201.2Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand plane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, 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, driveway, or alley.

     

    2201.3Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for not more than one lane of traffic in each direction, each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway, as nearly as possible.

     

    2201.4Upon a roadway so designated for one-way traffic, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated at all or such times as shall be indicated by official traffic control devices.

     

    2201.5A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of the island: Provided, that this subsection shall not apply to apparatus engaged in snow removal and control.

     

    2201.6Whenever any roadway has been divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules, in addition to all other rules consistent with this subtitle shall apply:

     

    (a)A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from that lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety;

     

    (b)Upon a roadway which is divided into three (3) lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when:

     

    (1)Overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction when the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance;

     

    (2)In preparation for making or completing a turn; or

     

    (3)Where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle is proceeding and the allocation is designated by official traffic control devices;

     

    (c)Official traffic control devices may be installed directing specified traffic to use a designated lane or designating the lane 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 the device; and

     

    (d)Official traffic control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadways, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of the device.

     

    2201.7Whenever any highway has been divided into two (2) or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway, unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic control devices or police officer.

     

    2201.8No vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any dividing space, barrier or section, except through an opening in the physical barrier or dividing section or space or at a crossover or intersection or an unraised, paved dividing section with pavement markings only, unless otherwise directed by official traffic control devices.

     

    2201.9The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the roadway.

     

    2201.10The driver of any motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway which is following another motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy the space in front of the drawing vehicle without danger, except that this shall not prevent a truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or other vehicle.

     

    2201.11No driver shall enter an intersection or marked crosswalk, unless the movement can be made such that the vehicle can completely clear the intersection without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any official traffic control device indication to proceed. A vehicle shall not enter an intersection to turn right or left unless there is sufficient space on the roadway being entered to accommodate the vehicle.

     

    2201.12No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled access roadway except at such entrances and exits as are established by the Director.

     

    2201.13The Director may regulate or prohibit the use of any controlled-access roadway or highway by any class or kind of traffic which is found to be incompatible with the normal and safe movement of traffic.

     

    2201.14The Director shall erect and maintain official traffic control devices on the controlled access highway on which such prohibitions are applicable and, when in place, no person shall disobey restrictions on such devices.

     

source

Final Rulemaking published at 42 DCR 3064 (June 16, 1995).