2011 Connecticut Code
Title 14 Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway By Vehicles. Gasoline
Chapter 248 Vehicle Highway Use
Sec. 14-230. Driving in right-hand lane.

      Sec. 14-230. Driving in right-hand lane. (a) Upon all highways, each vehicle, other than a vehicle described in subsection (c) of this section, shall be driven upon the right, except (1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, (2) when overtaking and passing pedestrians, parked vehicles, animals or obstructions on the right side of the highway, (3) when the right side of a highway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair, (4) on a highway divided into three or more marked lanes for traffic, or (5) on a highway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.

      (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic shall be driven in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the highway, 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.

      (c) Any vehicle which exceeds the maximum width limitations specified in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 14-262 and operates on an interstate highway with a special permit issued by the Commissioner of Transportation under the provisions of section 14-270, shall be driven in the extreme right lane of such highway, except (1) when such special permit authorizes operation in a traffic lane other than the extreme right lane, (2) when overtaking and passing parked vehicles, animals or obstructions on the right side of such highway, (3) when the right side of such highway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair, or (4) at such locations where access to or egress from such highway is provided on the left.

      (d) Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction.

      (1955, S. 1382d; 1957, P.A. 53; P.A. 75-577, S. 73, 126; P.A. 87-525, S. 2.)

      History: P.A. 75-577 added statement that violation of provisions is an infraction; P.A. 87-525 divided the section into Subsecs., inserting as Subsec. (c) provision requiring wide vehicles to be driven in extreme right lane of interstate highways.

      See Sec. 14-99 re requirement that drivers of commercial vehicles drive at extreme right to allow others to pass.

      See Sec. 14-111g re operator's retraining program.

      Annotations to former section:

      Defendant is not liable for accident unless he was negligent. 40 C. 560; 67 C. 47. Violation of law by plaintiff, to constitute a defense, must have contributed to cause collision. 59 C. 20; 63 C. 155; 89 C. 329; Id., 701. One may drive to left side of road if he has business there, using ordinary and reasonable care to avoid collision. 67 C. 47. Duty to drive on right side of road exists only when a person or vehicle approaches. 81 C. 499; 107 C. 710. See also 63 C. 155; 81 C. 499; 90 C. 503. The "rule of the road" does not apply on established racetrack with special driving rules. 91 C. 341. High degree of care is required of one crossing line of traffic going in opposite direction. 109 C. 606. Charge concerning passing over to left of center of road approved. 111 C. 99. Right to drive on left is conditioned upon noninterference with approaching machines, upon proper use of left side, and upon reasonable care. 112 C. 606; 119 C. 180. Duty to turn to right when meeting another is conditioned on practicability. 112 C. 606. "Traveled portion" includes only that portion intended for normal travel. 114 C. 336. Excludes shoulders. 114 C. 341; id., 651; 127 C. 340. Cited. 115 C. 116. Finding sustained that driving slightly to the left of center line was not proximate cause of collision. 116 C. 665. Turning to right may be "impracticable" because of situations created by the person met. 123 C. 127. Not a violation when car crosses center line involuntarily and without fault of driver. 124 C. 226. Cited. 129 C. 379. Cited. 133 C. 554.

      Annotations to present section:

      Enumeration of exceptions to requirement that vehicles operate on the right should also include exception applicable when a vehicle is preparing for a left turn at an intersection in a case where an overtaking police vehicle has the right-of-way. 150 C. 349. Cited. 171 C. 35. Cited. 179 C. 388. Cited. 190 C. 285. Cited. 193 C. 442. Cited. 206 C. 608. Cited. 208 C. 94.

      Cited. 4 CA 451. Cited. 30 CA 810. Cited. 33 CA 44.

      Cited. 32 CS 650.

      Cited. 2 Conn. Cir. Ct. 569. Defendant's plea of guilty to failure to drive on right-hand side of road was not conclusive of his liability in a civil action in which he pleaded the defense of the contributory negligence of the plaintiff and the trial court concluded both parties were negligent. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 123.

      Subsec. (a):

      Cited. 235 C. 614.