MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Transportation

By: Representative Davis

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-3-603, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE SIGNS TO BE ERECTED ALONG MULTILANED ROADWAYS DIRECTING SLOW-MOVING TRAFFIC TO USE A DESIGNATED LANE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 63-3-603, Mississippi Code of 1972, is

amended as follows:

63-3-603. Whenever any roadway has been divided into three

(3) or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, except through or

bypassing a municipality, the following rules in addition to all

others consistent herewith shall apply:

(a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical

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.

(b) A vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane

upon a roadway which is divided into three (3) lanes except when:

(i) Overtaking and passing another vehicle where

the roadway is clearly visible and such center lane is clear of

traffic within a safe distance;

(ii) Such vehicle is in preparation for a left

turn; or

(iii) Such center lane is at the time allocated

exclusively to traffic moving in the direction such vehicle is

proceeding and is signposted to give notice of such allocation.

(c) Official signs shall be erected directing

slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or allocating

specified lanes to traffic moving in the same direction, and

drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such sign.

(d) 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 a private road or driveway.

(e) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not

ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of

roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons

riding two (2) abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable

movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a

single lane.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.