§ 13-62. Same—Laned streets.

(a)

Upon any street having four (4) or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the centerline of the street, except when authorized by official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the highway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes or except as permitted under subsection 13-61(a)(2).

(b)

Whenever any street has been divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules in addition to all others consistent with this subsection shall apply:

(1)

A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.

(2)

Upon a street which is divided into three (3) or more lanes and provides for the two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction when such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in the preparation for making a left turn or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle is proceeding and such allocation is designated by an official traffic-control device.

(3)

Official traffic-control devices may be erected 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 street and drivers of vehicles shall obey the direction of every such device.

(4)

Official traffic-control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of streets, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device.

(c)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, when appropriate signs have been posted, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle over and upon the inside lane, next to the median of any dual-lane highway, at a speed less than the posted speed limit when the operation of the motor vehicle over and upon the inside lane impedes the steady flow of traffic, except when preparing for a left turn. The term "appropriate signs" as used in this section shall be construed as including "Slower Traffic Keep Right" signs or designations of similar import.

(Code 1977, § 15-68)

State law reference

Similar provisions, G.S. 20-146(c)—(e).