MISSOURI – Cruising in the left lane might feel like the fastest way to travel, but is it actually legal in Missouri? The answer isn’t always so simple.
On almost any highway trip, you’ll likely run into one of two scenarios: Passing a slower driver or being passed by a faster driver in the left lane. Sometimes, however, drivers may linger in that left lane without passing, adding to frustrations of others sharing the road.
So what’s actually allowed? Missouri law spells out when drivers can and cannot use the left lane.
According to Missouri Statute RSMo 304.015:
“Upon all public roads or highways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction pursuant to the rules governing such movement;
(2) When placing a vehicle in position for and when such vehicle is lawfully making a left turn in compliance with [state] provisions or traffic regulations thereunder or of municipalities;
(3) When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair;
(4) Upon a roadway designated by local ordinance as a one-way street and marked or signed for one-way traffic.”
Essentially, Missouri drivers are expected to stay in the right lane, though exceptions exist for passing another vehicle, avoiding construction, or preparing for a left turn at an intersection. The rule applies, as the statute notes, “on all highways and public roads with sufficient width.”
Violations of the statute could possibly result in a Class C to Class A misdemeanor charge of “failing to drive in the right lane of roadway with two or more lanes going in the same direction,” depending on circumstances around the violation.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol further shares this guidance on what’s legal and what’s not for left-lane drivers:
“On highways with a total of four or more lanes (two or more lanes in each direction), a driver is mandated to drive in the right lane unless passing slower traffic, letting another driver have enough room to enter the highway safely, or preparing to make a legal left turn. Once you have completed the pass, Missouri law REQUIRES you to return to the right lane. It is not legal or safe to continuously drive in the left lane.”
MSHP also urges drivers using the left lane to pass quickly and safely, while driving within the speed limit, in order to avoid being in another driver’s blind spot. “The longer you stay in the other driver’s blind spot, the longer you are in danger of having that vehicle collide with your vehicle,” says MSHP. Blind zone risks can be even greater for drivers passing to the left of buses and large trucks.
Furthermore, MSHP also notes that keeping to the right lane can help protect drivers from wrong-way vehicles. Those drivers may be impaired, elderly or simply confused. Staying to the right gives drivers the best chance of avoiding a head-on collision if they encounter a wrong-way driver.
