PASSING ON THE RIGHT, TURN SIGNALS, AND U-TURNS

This week’s column comes directly from requests and comments on the Daily Democrat website and thetrafficstop.blogspot.com website. Thanks to those who have given their input.

The first topic I will cover is passing on the right. Passing on the right is a lawful movement but only in limited situations. The most common situations in Woodland where passing on the right is lawful are as follows: when the vehicle to be passed is making or is about to make a left turn, when in a business or residential district with unobstructed pavement which is wide enough for two lines of traffic traveling in the same direction, or when the roadway is marked for two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. In the situation where there are two travel lanes in the same direction it does not relieve the driver of a slower vehicle to drive in the right hand lane. Vehicle Code sections 21750-21759 cover passing on the right.

Passing on the right is not permitted when the passing vehicle must travel in a bicycle lane. Vehicle code section 21209 states no person shall drive a motor vehicle in a bicycle lane except to park where parking is permitted, to enter or leave the roadway, or to prepare for a turn (right) within a distance of 200 feet from the intersection. The location where I see the most violations of this section is in front of Lee Middle School on West Street at Jefferson Street. Vehicles traveling northbound on West Street will pass other northbound vehicles that are attempting to turn left into the school parking lot. While passing on the right in a bicycle lane is unlawful, it is also dangerous for bicyclists. It is also unlawful to pass any vehicle which has stopped for a pedestrian in any marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Another request for clarification is on the use of turn signals. Vehicle Code section 22107 states “no person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.” To clarify this section the law requires drivers to use turn signals when there are other vehicles in the vicinity. The use of turn signals lets other drivers know someone is turning. The section does not require drivers to use turn signals on vacant streets but it is a good idea to remain in the habit of always using turn signals. Vehicle code section 22108 provides that a signal must be given for 100 feet prior to the turn or lane change.

The last area to cover is clarification on U-turns. The question was asked if it is lawful to make a U-turn over double solid lines. The answer is found in vehicle code section 21460 which allows for U-turns over double parallel lines to make left turns or U- turns as long as all other laws regarding the turn are obeyed. Vehicle code section 22102 prohibits U-turns in business districts except at intersections or openings in divided highways. Vehicle code section 22103 prohibits U-turns in residential districts if another vehicle is approaching the turning vehicle from the front or rear within 200 feet unless the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device (sign or signal).

Thank you for taking the time to read this column.