House Bill 391

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-3-603, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT MOTOR VEHICLES FROM CONTINUALLY TRAVELING THE OUTERMOST LEFT LANE OF A HIGHWAY THAT ALLOWS FOR TWO OR MORE LANES TO TRAVEL IN THE SAME DIRECTION, EXCEPT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; 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. (1) 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 may 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.

(2) (a) A vehicle shall not be driven in the outermost left lane of any roadway with two (2) or more lanes allowing for movement in the same direction, except as follows:

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

(ii) When the right lane(s) of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair;

(iii) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon;

(iv) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic;

(v) When the right lane(s) of the roadway is in disrepair or is an otherwise impassable or unsafe condition; or

(vi) When a vehicle is preparing to exit the roadway on the left.

(b) Motor vehicles shall not be operated in the outermost left lane of a multi-lane roadway whenever it impedes the flow of other traffic.

(c) A violation of this subsection (2) is punishable by a fine of not less than Five Dollars ($5.00) nor more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00).

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2017.