§ 11-16. Passing of vehicles.  


Latest version.
  • (a)

    Passing vehicle proceeding in same direction.

    (1)

    Generally.

    a.

    Except as provided in subsection b. hereafter, 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 street until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.

    b.

    No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the street 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 street before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

    c.

    No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left of the street for the purpose of passing a vehicle proceeding in the same direction when approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing, or when approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel, or where sight restriction is such that the section of highway being traversed lies within a no-passing zone.

    (2)

    Duty of driver of overtaken vehicle. It shall be the duty of the driver of an overtaken vehicle to give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal, and he shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

    (b)

    Passing vehicle on right side.

    (1)

    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, when the roadway is free from obstruction and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.

    (2)

    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 of main-traveled portion of the roadway.

    (c)

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

(Code 1968, §§ 24-26—24-29)