Report Title:

Traffic

Description:

Prohibits driving in the left-hand lane of a freeway or highway unless an enumerated condition exists.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1803

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to traffic.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Section 291C-41, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"PART V. DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY;

OVERTAKING AND PASSING; USE OF ROADWAY

[§291C-41] Drive on right side of roadway; exceptions. (a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:

(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement;

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

(3) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or

(4) Upon a roadway designated and signposted one-way traffic.

(b) Upon 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 lane 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 or driveway.

(c) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under subsection (a)(2). This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway.

(d) Upon an interstate highway or freeway, a vehicle may not be driven in the left lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle. This subsection shall not apply:

(1) When no other vehicle is directly behind the vehicle in the left lane;

(2) when traffic conditions and congestion make it impractical to drive in other lanes;

(3) when inclement weather conditions make it necessary to drive in the left lane;

(4) when obstructions or hazards exist in the right lane;

(5) when, because of highway design, a vehicle must be driven in the left lane when preparing to exit;

(6) to law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles engaged in official duties and vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

 

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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