H-3678 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL NO. 1554
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State of Washington 49th Legislature 1986 Regular Session
By Representatives van Dyke, Thomas, Brough, Walker, Sutherland, Schmidt and J. Williams
Read first time 1/17/86 and referred to Committee on Transportation.
AN ACT Relating to roadway lane usage; and amending RCW 46.61.100.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Sec. 1. Section 15, chapter 155, Laws of 1965 ex. sess. as last amended by section 1, chapter 33, Laws of 1972 ex. sess. and RCW 46.61.100 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Upon 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 the rules governing such movement;
(b) 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;
(c) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or
(d) Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
(2) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding slower than the legal maximum speed or at a speed slower than necessary for safe operation 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, exit, or into a private road or driveway when such left turn is legally permitted.
(3) 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 (1)(b) hereof. However, this subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway.
(4) Upon all roadways the following vehicles 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, exit, or into a private road or driveway when such left turn is legally permitted:
(a) A motor truck or truck tractor having three or more axles or any motor truck or truck tractor pulling any other vehicle;
(b) A passenger car or bus pulling any other vehicle;
(c) A school bus transporting any school pupil;