Vehicle to be driven on left side of roadway

(1)Any person driving a vehicle on a public road shall do so by driving on the left side of the roadway and, where such roadway is of sufficient width, in such manner as not to encroach on that half of the roadway to his or her right: Provided that such encroachment shall be permissible--

where it can be done without obstructing or endangering other traffic or property which is or may be on such half and for a period and distance not longer than is necessary and prudent and provided that it is not prohibited by a road traffic sign; or

in compliance with a direction of a traffic officer or a road traffic sign.

(2) The above rule only applies to two way roads and not single direction roads

Driving on divided public road

(1) Whenever any public road has been divided into two or more roadways by means of an intervening space or by a physical barrier or dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, no person shall drive a vehicle upon such public road except upon the left-hand roadway, unless directed or permitted by an appropriate road traffic sign or a traffic officer to use another roadway.

(2) No person shall drive a vehicle on, over, across or within any dividing space, barrier or section referred to above, except through an opening in such space, barrier or section or at a cross-over or intersection: Provided that no person shall so drive through any such opening or at any such cross-over or intersection where such driving is prohibited by an appropriate road traffic sign or by a traffic officer.

Passing of vehicle

The driver of a vehicle intending to pass any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction on a public road shall pass to the right thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive on the left side of the roadway until safely clear of the vehicle so passed: Provided that, in the circumstances as aforesaid, passing on the left of such vehicle shall be permissible if the person driving the passing vehicle can do so with safety to himself or herself and other traffic or property which is or may be on such road and--

the vehicle being passed is turning to its right or the driver thereof has signalled his or her intention of turning to his or her right;

such road is a public road in an urban area and--

is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction; and

the roadway is of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles;

such road is a public road in an urban area and the roadway is of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles moving in each direction;

the roadway of such road is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction and is divided into traffic lanes by appropriate road traffic signs; or

he or she is driving in compliance with the directions of a traffic officer or is driving in traffic which is under the general direction of such officer, and in accordance with such direction:

(2) The driver of a vehicle shall not pass other traffic proceeding in the same direction on a public road when approaching--

the summit of a rise;

a curve; or

any other place

where his or her view is so restricted that any such passing could create a hazard in relation to other traffic which might approach from the opposite direction, unless--

he or she can do so without encroaching on the right-hand side of the roadway; or

the roadway of such road is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction.

(3) The driver of a vehicle on a public road shall, become aware of other traffic proceeding in the same direction and wishing to pass his or her vehicle, cause his or her vehicle to travel as near to the left edge of the roadway as is possible, without endangering himself or herself or other traffic or property on the roadway, and shall not accelerate the speed of his or her vehicle until the other vehicle has passed.

(4) When about to pass oncoming traffic, the driver of a vehicle on a public road shall ensure that the vehicle driven by him or her does not encroach on the roadway to his or her right in such manner as may obstruct or endanger such oncoming traffic.

(5) The driver of a vehicle intending to pass a stationary bus on a public road shall do so with due care for the safety of persons who are approaching or leaving or may approach or leave such bus.

Content provided by the National Road Traffic Act NEXT