Question: My driving instructor has repeatedly told me that I should never drive left of center, but I’m not exactly sure what she means. What does driving left of center mean?
Answer: Driving left of center is a situation where a motorist drives on the left side of the dividing line on a road with two-way traffic. Depending on the situation, this maneuver may be legal or illegal.
It’s generally legal to drive left of center if you are:
- Overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction in a safe-to-pass area
- Passing bicyclists, pedestrians, animals or obstructions on the right half of the roadway
- Avoiding an obstruction that makes it necessary to drive left of center
- Turning left to exit a highway (into a driveway, strip mall, etc.)
However, driving left of center becomes illegal under several circumstances. These include passing in a no-passing zone, indicated by solid centerlines or signs, or passing on the oncoming lane in a way that impedes traffic.
Here’s how to choose the correct defensive driving tactic to avoid left of center line collisions
When the center lines are broken
If you’re driving on a street where passing is allowed and the center line is dashed, driving left of center to pass another car in your lane is perfectly acceptable.
Some states outline the parameters for when it’s safe to cross the centerline to pass. For example, to pass a vehicle in Arkansas, you must ensure the left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to pass a car without interfering with oncoming traffic, and you must return to your lane before the oncoming car reaches 100 feet of your car.
When the center lines are solid
However, if the centerline is solid, it means you shouldn’t cross this centerline in most circumstances, with exceptions on when you can cross it depending on your state’s laws.
For example, in New York state, exceptions include passing vehicles, bicyclists, animals or avoiding obstructions. You can also cross a solid double yellow line to turn left to enter or leave a highway.
When the center lines are both
A complicating factor involves a centerline that is solid on one side and broken on the other. This means that you can pass if the line closest to you is broken, but if it’s solid, then you are not allowed to pass. Generally, you will see alternating patterns when visibility is restricted or when climbing or descending hills.
Avoiding left of center collisions when turning left
As a driver, you have to choose the correct defensive driving tactic to avoid left of center line collisions. For example, you might be on a roadway trying to make a left turn into a strip mall. In this case, you have to stop your car to allow for oncoming traffic to clear before you make your turn. You do not have the right away.
The New York DMV advises you to keep your wheels straight until you actually begin to make your turn. If your wheels are turned and you are hit from behind, your vehicle could be pushed into the oncoming lane of traffic.
When passing in a safe-to-pass zone, you want to do so only when you have clear visibility of on-coming traffic. You should not try to pass up a hill or around a bend, since you cannot see what is coming at you or build up enough speed to pass safely.
Driving left of center ticket cost
The cost of a ticket for driving left of center can vary widely depending on the state or local jurisdiction where the violation occurs. Typically, fines can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. Expect a higher fee for higher-traffic areas where “No passing” signs are posted and the maneuver is considered more dangerous. Driving left of center illegally can cost you a fine between $150 to $450 in New York.
Driving on the left side of the highway is generally not done except in special circumstances because it requires you to interact with traffic coming the opposite way. When done improperly, they can lead to severe injury and fines.
Xuyun Zeng is a content strategist with a wide-ranging content background including tech, journalism, cars and health care. After graduating with highest honors in journalism, Xuyun led a newspaper to win eight awards, helped start an award-winning film industry podcast and has written over a hundred articles about cars repair, state laws and insurance. Prior to joining Jerry, Xuyun worked as a freelance SEO consultant with a mission to create the best content that will help readers and grow organic traffic.
Ashley Eneriz is an editor and finance writer with over 15 years of experience in a wide range of financial topics, including car loans and insurance. In editing for Jerry, Ashley aims to make all car material reader-friendly for both the new driver and car enthusiast alike. Prior to joining Jerry, Ashley was the financial deputy editor for ConsumerAffairs. Her work is featured on Forbes, Yahoo, MSN, The Hartford and more.
