Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes
THE VEHICLE CODE (TITLE 75)
PART III. OPERATION OF VEHICLES
CHAPTER 33. RULES OF THE ROAD IN GENERAL
Subchapter A General
Provisions
§ 3301 Driving
on right side of roadway.
§ 3302 Meeting
vehicle proceeding in opposite direction.
§ 3303 Overtaking vehicle on
the left.
§ 3304 Overtaking vehicle
on the right.
§ 3305 Limitations
on overtaking on the left.
§ 3306 Limitations
on driving on left side of roadway.
§ 3307 No-passing zones.
§ 3308 One-way
roadways and rotary traffic islands.
§ 3309 Driving on
roadways laned for traffic.
§ 3310 Following too closely.
§ 3311 Driving on divided
highways.
§ 3312 Limited
access highway entrances and exits.
§ 3313 Restrictions
on use of limited access highways.
§ 3314 Prohibiting
use of hearing impairment devices.
Subchapter B.
Right-of-way
§ 3321. Vehicle
approaching or entering intersection.
§ 3322. Vehicle turning left.
§ 3323. Stop signs and yield
signs.
§ 3324. Vehicle
entering or crossing roadway.
Subchapter C.
Turning, Starting and Signals
§ 3331. Required
position and method of turning.
§ 3336. Method of
giving hand and arm signals.
Subchapter F. Speed
Restrictions
§ 3361. Driving
vehicle at safe speed.
§ 3364. Minimum Speed regulation.
(a) General rule.-Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be
driven upon the right half of the roadway except as follows:
- When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same
direction where permitted by the rules governing such movement.
- When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the
center of the roadway, providing the driver yields the right-of-way to all
vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of
the roadway within such distance as to constitute a hazard.
- When and where official traffic-control devices are in place designating a
lane or lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for the movement
indicated by the devices.
- Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
- When making a left turn as provided in sections
3322 (relating to vehicle turning left) and 3331
(relating to required position and method of turning.)
(b) Vehicle proceeding at less than normal speed.-Upon all roadways any
vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and
place and under the conditions then existing 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 when overtaking and passing another vehicle
proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an
intersection or into an alley, private road or drive-way. This subsection does
not apply to a driver who must necessarily drive in a lane other than the
righthand lane to continue on his intended route.
Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other
to the right and, upon roadways having width for not more than one line of
traffic in each direction, each driver shall give to the other at least one-half
of the main-traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible
(a) General rule.-The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing
of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to the limitations,
exceptions and special rules stated in this chapter:
- The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same
direction shall pass to the left of the other vehicle at a safe distance and
shall stay to the left of the other vehicle until safely clear of the
overtaken vehicle.
- Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver
of an overtaken vehicle shall not increase the speed of the vehicle until
completely passed by the overtaking vehicle and shall give way to the right
in favor of the overtaking vehicle on suitable signal.
(b) Suitable signal defined.-Suitable signal for purposes of subsection
(a)(2) shall be as follows:
- At all times when head lamps are required to be lighted according to
section 4302 (relating to the period for requiring lighted lamps), an
audible signal or the intermittent flashing of low and high beams except
that the use of high beams shall not be permitted when a vehicle is
approaching from the opposite direction within 500 feet.
- At all other times, an audible signal.
(a) General rule.-The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the
right of another vehicle only under one of the following conditions:
- When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn, except
that such movement shall not be made by driving off the berm or shoulder of
the highway.
- Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or
more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by
the overtaken vehicle, except that such movement shall not be made by
driving off the roadway.
(b) Limitation.-No passing movement under this section shall be made unless
the movement can be made in safety.
No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center or marked center
line of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the
same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming
traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the overtaking and passing to
be completely made without interfering with the operation of any vehicle
approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event
the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as
practicable and, in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane
authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming
within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle.
(a) General Rule.--No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the
roadway under any of the following conditions:
- When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway
where the driverŐs view is obstructed within such distance as to create a
hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite
direction.
- When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or
railroad grade crossing, unless otherwise indicated by official
traffic-control devices.
- When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any
bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
(b) Application of section.--This section does not apply under the
conditions described in section
3301(a)(2),(3),(4) and (5) (relating to driving on right side of roadway).
(a) Establishment and marking.-The department and local authorities may
determine those portions of any highway under their respective jurisdictions
where overtaking and passing or driving on the left side of the roadway would be
especially hazardous and shall by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway
indicate the beginning and end of such zones and when the signs or markings are
in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person every driver of a
vehicle shall obey the directions of the signs or markings. Signs shall be
placed to indicate the beginning and end of each no-passing zone.
(b) Compliance by drivers.-Where signs and markings are in place to define a
no-passing Zone as set forth in subsection(a), no driver shall at any time drive
on the left side of the roadway within the no-passing zone or on the left side
of any pavement striping designed to mark a no-passing zone throughout its
length.
(c) Application of section.-This section does not apply under the conditions
described in section 3301(a)(2) and (5) (relating to driving on right side of
roadway).
(a) Establishment and marking.-The department and local authorities with
respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions may designate any
highway, roadway, part of a roadway or specific lanes upon which vehicular
traffic shall proceed in one direction at all or such times as shall be
indicated by official traffic-control devices.
(b) Driving on one-way roadway.-Upon a roadway designated for one-way
traffic, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated at all or
such times as shall be indicated by official traffic-control devices.
(c) Driving around rotary traffic island.-A vehicle passing around a rotary
traffic island shall be driven only to the right of the island.
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes
for traffic the following rules in addition to all others not inconsistent
therewith shall apply:
- Driving within single lane.-A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as
practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the
lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made
with safety.
- Three lane roadways.-Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes and
provides for 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 the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe
distance, or in preparation for making a left turn, or where the center lane
is allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the
vehicle is proceeding and the allocation is designated by official
traffic-control devices.
- Lanes limited to specific use.-Official traffic-control devices may be
erected to restrict the use of specified lanes to specified classes or types
of traffic or vehicles, including multioccupant vehicles or car pools, and
drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device.
- Prohibitions against changing lanes.-Official traffic-control devices may
be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on a section of roadway and
drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device.
(a) General rule.--The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow
another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard
for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the
highway
(b) Combinations of vehicles and trucks.--The driver of any motor
vehicle drawing another vehicle or of any truck when traveling upon a roadway
outside of an urban district and following a motor vehicle drawing another
vehicle or following a truck shall, whenever conditions permit, leave
sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy the space
without danger, except that this subsection does not prevent a truck from
overtaking and passing any vehicle or combination of vehicles.
(c) Caravans and motorcades.--Upon any roadway outside of an urban
district, motor vehicles being driven in a caravan or motorcade, whether or
not towing other vehicles, shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space
without danger. This subsection does not apply to funeral processions, which
shall not be interrupted by any vehicle other than an emergency vehicle.
(a) General rule.--Whenever any highway has been divided into two or
more roadways by leaving an intervening space, physical barrier or clearly
indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every
vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway unless directed or
permitted to use another roadway by official traffic-control devices, police
officers or appropriately attired persons authorized to direct, control or
regulate traffic. No vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such
dividing space, barrier or section except through an opening in the physical
barrier or dividing section or space or at a crossover or intersection as
established.
(b) Traffic-control devices regulating turns.--Whenever necessary for
the protection and safety of traffic, official traffic-control devices may be
installed at an opening in the physical barrier or dividing section or space or
at a crossover or intersection prohibiting or regulating a turn or turns as may
be necessary pursuant to the authority of this title.
No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any limited access highway
except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority.
(a) General rule.--The department may regulate or prohibit the use
of any limited access highway by any class or kind of traffic which is found
to be incompatible with the normal and safe movement of traffic.
(b) Traffic-control devices at entrances.--The department, when
adopting any prohibition under this section, shall erect and maintain official
traffic-control devices at the entrances to the limited access highway on
which the prohibitions are applicable and when in place no person shall
disobey the restrictions stated on the devices.
(c) Motorcycles.--Except on busways in counties of the first or
second class, motorcycles may be operated upon any limited access highway in
an urban district in a lane specified for multioccupant vehicles or car pools,
except where the department can demonstrate that such use will create a safety
hazard.
(d) Driving in right lane.--Vehicles shall be driven in the lane nearest
the right-hand edge of the roadway, except when overtaking another vehicle, or
for a distance of up to two miles in preparation for a left turn, or as
directed by official traffic control devices, police officers or appropriately
attired persons authorized to divert, control or regulate traffic.
(a) General rule.--No driver shall operate a vehicle while wearing or
using one or more headphones or earphones.
(b) Exception.--This section does not prohibit the use of hearing aids
or other devices for improving the hearing of the driver, nor does it prohibit
the use of a headset in conjunction with a cellular telephone that only provides
sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other
ear, nor does it prohibit the use of communication equipment by the driver of an
emergency vehicle or by motorcycle operators complying with section 3525
(relating to protective equipment for motorcycle riders).
(a) General rule.--When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection
from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the
vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
(b) Exception.--The right-of-way rule established in subsection (a) is
not applicable:
-
on through highways, where the traffic on the through highway shall have
the right-of-way;
-
on limited-access highways, where the traffic on the limited-access
highway shall have the right-of-way;
-
in traffic circles, where the traffic in the traffic circle shall have the
right-of-way; and
-
as otherwise provided in this part.
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left within an intersection or
into an alley, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any
vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close as to
constitute a hazard.
(a) Intersections controlled by signs.--Preferential right-of-way at
an intersection may be indicated by stop signs or yield signs as authorized in
section 6124 (relating to erection of traffic-control devices at intersections).
(b) Duties at stop signs.--Except when directed to proceed by a police
officer or appropriately attired persons authorized to direct, control or
regulate traffic, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop
at a clearly marked stop line or, if no stop line is present, before entering a
crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if no crosswalk is present,
then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view
of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering. If, after
stopping at a crosswalk or clearly marked stop line, a driver does not have a
clear view of approaching traffic, the driver shall, after yielding the
right-of-way to any pedestrian in the crosswalk, slowly pull forward from the
stopped position to a point where the driver has a clear view of approaching
traffic. The driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the
intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute a
hazard during the time when the driver is moving across or within the
intersection or junction of roadways, and enter the intersection when it is safe
to do so.
(c) Duties at yield signs.--The driver of a vehicle approaching a
yield sign shall in obedience to the sign slow down to a speed reasonable for
the existing conditions and, if required for safety to stop, shall stop before
entering a crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then at
the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of
approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering. After slowing
down or stopping, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the
intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute a
hazard during the time the driver is moving across or within the intersection of
roadways. If a driver is involved in a collision with a vehicle in the
intersection or junction of roadways after driving past a yield sign, the
collision shall be deemed prima facie evidence of failure of the driver to yield
the right-of-way.
The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a roadway from any place
other than another roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles
approaching on the roadway to be entered or crossed.
(a) Right turn.--The driver of a vehicle intending to turn right shall
approach the turn and make the turn as close as practicable to the right-hand
curb or edge of the roadway.
(b) Left turn.--The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left shall
approach the turn in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic
moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Whenever practicable, the left
turn shall be made to the left of the center of the intersection and so as to
leave the intersection or location in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully
available to traffic moving in the same direction as the vehicle on the roadway
being entered.
(c) Compliance with traffic-control devices.--The department and local
authorities on highways under their respective jurisdictions may cause official
traffic-control devices to be placed and thereby require and direct that a
different course from that specified in this section be traveled by turning
vehicles and when the devices are so placed no driver shall turn a vehicle other
than as directed and required by the devices.
(d) Two-way left turn lanes.--Where a special lane for making left
turns by drivers proceeding in opposite directions has been indicated by
official traffic-control devices:
-
A left turn shall not be made from any other lane.
-
A vehicle shall not be driven in the lane except when preparing for or
making a left turn from or into the roadway or when preparing for or making
a U-turn when otherwise permitted by law.
All signals given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the
vehicle in the following manner except as indicated for pedalcycles and
motorcycles and the signals shall indicate as follows:
- For a left turn, the hand and arm shall be extended horizontally.
- For a right turn, the left hand and arm shall be extended upward, except
that operators of motorcycles and pedalcycles may also be permitted to
signal a right turn by extending the right hand and arm horizontally.
- To stop or decrease speed, the left hand and arm shall be extended
downward.
No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is
reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and
potential hazards then existing, no at a speed greater than will permit the
driver to bring his vehicle to a stop within the assures clear distance
ahead. Consistent with the foregoing, every person shall driver at a safe
and appropriate speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad
grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a
hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway and when special
hazards exist with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of
weather or highway conditions.
(a) Impeding
movement of traffic prohibited.--Except when reduced speed is necessary for
safe operation or in compliance with law, no person shall drive a motor vehicle
at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
(b) Slow moving
vehicle to drive off roadway.--Except when reduced speed is necessary for
safe operation or in compliance with law, whenever any person drives a vehicle
upon a roadway having width for not more than one lane of traffic in each
direction at less than the maximum posted speed and at such a slow speed as to
impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the driver shall, at the
first opportunity when and where it is reasonable and safe to do so and after
giving appropriate signal, drive completely off the roadway and onto the berm or
shoulder of the highway. The driver may return to the roadway after giving
appropriate signal only when the movement can be made in safety and so as not to
impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
(c) Establishment
of minimum speed limits.--At any other time when the department or local
authorities under their respective jurisdictions determine on the basis of an
engineering and traffic investigation that slow speeds on any highway or part of
a highway impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the department
or such local authority may determine and declare a minimum speed limit below
which no person shall drive a vehicle except when necessary for safe operation
or in compliance with law. The minimum limit shall be effective when
posted upon appropriate fixed or variable signs.
Rules Of The Road In General / last revised December 2000
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