House Bill 1051

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-3-601, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT UPON ANY ROADWAY HAVING FOUR OR MORE LANES FOR MOVING TRAFFIC AND PROVIDING FOR MOVEMENT IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS, NO VEHICLE SHALL BE DRIVEN TO THE LEFT OF THE CENTER LINE OF THE ROADWAY; TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS TO THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 63-3-601, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-3-601. (1) Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right one-half (1/2) of the roadway, except as follows:

(a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement;

(b) When the right one-half (1/2) of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair;

(d) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.

(2) (a) Upon any roadway 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 center line of the roadway, except:

(i) When authorized by signs or markings designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes;

(ii) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway, in which case the driver of any vehicle doing so shall yield the right-of-way to any other vehicle that is traveling in the proper direction on the unobstructed portion of the highway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard; or

(iii) As otherwise permitted under this section.

(b) This section shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road, driveway or highway.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2011.