Is it illegal to pass on the right?

Every driver has experienced the frustration of getting stuck behind a slow driver.Whataboutwhenthat driver is turning left and the frustrated driver has to wait for the slow driver to get an opening to turn?

Does the frustrated driver pass the vehicle on the shoulder to go around? Is that legal?

Many drivers are guilty of doing just that. However, according to Oklahoma law, it is not legal.

Statute § 32-200 says “The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the rightofanothervehiclewhich is making or about to make a left turn. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle either upon the left or upon the right of a street or roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for four or more lanes of moving traffic when such movement can be made safely. No person shall drive off the pavement or upon the shoulder of the street or roadway in overtaking or passing on the right, except in the event of an emergency.”

This may seem a tad confusing, since the first statute says the driver may pass to the right. That is only referring to if there is a lane that the driver can use to pass the turning vehicle. The third statute says that a driver cannot overtake a turning car via the shoulder.

Statute § 47-11-304 states, “In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.” This means that if the vehicle crosses the white line, then they are breaking the law.

There are a few other driving laws in Oklahoma that drivers don’t know exist.

Bicyclists have the same rights as cars Oklahoma law requires drivers to give bicyclists the same amount of space they would any other vehicle traveling on the road. They should not pass the bicyclists too closely, or drive recklessly around them. Statute §4711-1202 states that “every person riding a bicycle or motorized scooter upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this title, except as to special regulations in this article and except to those provisions of this title which by their nature can have no application.”

Don’t text and drive Texting and driving, one of the leading causes of distracted driving-related incidents, has been banned by Oklahoma. §47-11-901b states, “The operator of every vehicle, while driving, shall devote their full time and attention to such driving.”

Law enforcement can’t issue citations to a distracted driver, in general. However, they can issue the citation if the inattentive driver causes and accident or they are driving erratically.

Left-lane law This law is for drivers who tend to drive in the left lane of travel and not let other drivers pass. The leftlane law prohibits left-lane use except when passing to overtake another vehicle or when road conditions, traffi c or construction make it necessary.

Move over law

The “Move Over” law requires driverstochangelanes when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights. If it is impossible to change lanes, the driver mustslowdownsignificantly. The law states that not only does this law apply to police cars, but also ambulances, maintenance vehicles, tow trucksandvehicleswiththeir hazards on.

Motorcycle helmet law Motorcycle riders are not required by law to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle in Oklahoma. Anybody under the age of 18 must wear a helmet, though. However, riders of any age are legally required to wear some type of protection for their eyes, such as goggles, glasses or a windscreen on their motorcycle.