§ 41-6a-710. Roadway divided into marked lanes -- Provisions -- Traffic-control devices.

     On a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following provisions apply:

(1)

(a) A person operating a vehicle:

(i) shall keep the vehicle as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane; and

(ii) may not move the vehicle from the lane until the operator has reasonably determined the movement can be made safely.

(b) A determination under Subsection (1)(a)(ii) is reasonable if a reasonable person acting under the same conditions and having regard for actual and potential hazards then existing would determine that the movement could be made safely.

(2)

(a) On a roadway divided into three or more lanes and providing for two-way movement of traffic, a person operating a vehicle may not drive in the center lane except:

(i) when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction, and when the center lane is:

(A) clear of traffic within a safe distance; and

(B) not a two-way left turn lane;

(ii) in preparation of making or completing a left turn in compliance with Section 41-6a-801; or

(iii) where the center lane is allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle is proceeding as indicated by traffic-control devices.

(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (2)(a)(i) and in accordance with Subsection (1)(a), a person operating a vehicle may drive in a center lane that is a two-way left turn lane if:

(i) the center lane is:

(A) on a roadway divided into three or more lanes that provides for two-way movement of traffic; and

(B) clear of traffic within a safe distance;

(ii) there is only one lane of travel in the direction the person operating the vehicle is traveling; and

(iii) the person operating the vehicle is overtaking and passing a bicycle or moped that is moving at less than the reasonable speed of traffic that is present.

(3)

(a) A highway authority may erect traffic-control devices directing specified traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway.

(b) An operator of a vehicle shall obey the directions of a traffic-control device erected under Subsection (3)(a).

Amended by Chapter 294, 2013 General Session