Passing laws.

[lownslow95]

I am away in college in Lancaster. And that being said, Lancaster has their fare share of Amish and Mennanites (sp). I'm asking this becuase all the time I see them using the good ol' horse and buggy. My question is when I was driving down the road, there is no shoulder, but there is a lane in the middel used for turning into driveways. I was driving behind a semi that refuesed to pass him. Is he doing the right thing by not passing him, or is he allowed to pass them. Thanks Sarge.

[Bane]

Chapter 33
Subchapter A §3309 - Three Lane Roadways

(2)...Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes and provides for two way movement a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane unless overtaking and passing a vehicle with the same direction of travel when the center lane is clear from traffic within a safe distance...

(4)...Official traffic control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on a section of roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every device

Ok, if your on a 3 lane roadway and the center lane has signs saying no passing or it has the arrows in the middle indicating left and right turns thats what it means. The center lane can be used to pass vehicles traveling in the same lane if the lane is clear and there are no signs indicating a no passing zone. I don't know what road you were on but I know there is a long stretch of Route 30 with no indications in the middle lane and slower moving tractors/farm equipment and buggies can be passed.

The semi driver might have been concerned about spooking the horse wether he could legally pass or not. 10 time out of 10 horse and buggies lose when they get involved with a car, there is an opportune time to pass them and sometimes you just have to ride it out waiting for a safe situation.

[lownslow95]

Thanks for clearing this up for me. Hopefully, I don't get stuck behind one next time.