H-1005              _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 507

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

By Representatives Betrozoff, Walk, J. Williams, Schmidt, Brough, Fisher, Hankins, Brekke, Prince, Tanner, Chandler, C. Smith, Baugher, Sutherland, Patrick, Van Luven, Thomas, Valle, Zellinsky, K. Wilson, Bond, Kremen, Winsley and Ballard

Read first time 2/6/85 and referred to Committee on Transportation.

AN ACT Relating to traffic flow on multilane highways; amending RCW 46.61.100; adding a new section to chapter 46.20 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 46.81 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 46.82 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 47.36 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     It is the intent of the legislature, in this 1985 amendment of RCW 46.61.100, that the left-hand lane on any state highway with two or more lanes in the same direction be used primarily as a passing lane.

        Sec. 2.  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 and providing for two-way movement traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or

          (d) Upon a ((roadway)) street or highway 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,)) having two or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, all 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 (a) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, (b) when traveling at a speed greater than the traffic flow, (c) when moving left to allow traffic to merge,  or (d) 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) It is a traffic infraction to drive continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway when it impedes the flow of other traffic.

(4) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, ((no)) a vehicle shall not 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)) of this section.  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.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  A new section is added to chapter 46.20 RCW to read as follows:

          The department shall include information on the proper use of the left-hand lane on multilane highways in its instructional publications for drivers.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  A new section is added to chapter 46.81 RCW to read as follows:

          The superintendent of public instruction shall include information on the proper use of the left-hand lane on multilane highways in instructional material used in traffic safety education courses.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.  A new section is added to chapter 46.82 RCW to read as follows:

          Instructional material used in driver training schools shall include information on the proper use of the left-hand lane on multilane highways.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6.  A new section is added to chapter 47.36 RCW to read as follows:

          The department shall erect signs on multilane highways indicating proper lane usage.