§ 321.297 — Driving on right-hand side of roadway — exceptions

Iowa § 321.297

• Jurisdiction: Iowa
• Title VIII: TRANSPORTATION
• Ch. 321: MOTOR VEHICLES AND LAW OF THE ROAD

Text

1. A vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway upon all roadways of
sufficient width, except as follows:
a. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under
the rules governing such movement.
b. When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the
roadway, provided, any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling
in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the roadway within such distance
as to constitute an immediate hazard.
c. Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable
thereon.
d. Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
2. 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 upon all roadways, 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
directionorwhenpreparingforaleftturnatanintersection,analley,privateroadordriveway.
3. A vehicle shall not be driven upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving
traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, to the left of the center line of the
roadway, except when authorized by official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes
to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use
such lanes, or except as permitted under subsection 1, paragraph “b”. This subsection shall
not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or
from an alley, private road, or driveway.

Legislative History

[S13, §1571-m18; C24, 27, 31, 35, §5019; C39, §5024.01; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §321.297]