02:18
Faizan
Highway engineers design center lanes for specific purposes -- and licensed drivers should know the rules to avoid traffic tickets and subsequent fines and points on their licenses. Center lane laws in Tennessee depend on whether the lane in question is a passing or turning lane. If you're ticketed in the "Volunteer State" for a center lane passing or improper turn infraction, it's a moving violation.
Passing Center Lanes
Under Tennessee law, when roads are divided into three lanes, the center lane is used for motor vehicles overtaking and passing another motor vehicle. Passing can only occur when the center lane is clear within a reasonable distance and there is good roadway visibility. This means that you should stay primarily in the right lane, and avoid simply cruising down the middle lane on a highway.
Center Turn Lanes
Some center lanes are designated only for turns. These are not part of entire three-lane roadways, but specifically designed for turning motor vehicles. When you are in such a lane, you cannot pass another vehicle. You must enter your vehicle into this turning lane from a reasonably wide, as well as safe, distance from your planned turning point. Motorists can also use the center lane to prepare to make a left turn if that particular center lane is allocated exclusively to vehicles moving in the same direction as the motorist, and the signs indicate this allocation.
Center Lane Markings
Tennessee center lanes designed for left turn use, whether into or from the road, are marked with pavement arrows designating the turning direction for traffic. You'll also see both broken and solid yellow lines delineating the lanes. These dedicated lanes don't allow travel for more than 300 feet. If you come across such a left turn lane, you may not make the turn from any other lane.
Improper Turn and Passing Penalties
In Tennessee, conviction for an improper turn costs you three points on your motor vehicle record, while improper passing costs you four points. If you're driving a commercial vehicle, an improper turn is a four-point moving violation. The price of your traffic ticket depends on municipal ordinances. For example, in Memphis, an improper turn will set you back $57.75 as of April 2014, while you'll have to pay $52.75 for a passing violation.
Passing Center LanesUnder Tennessee law, when roads are divided into three lanes, the center lane is used for motor vehicles overtaking and passing another motor vehicle. Passing can only occur when the center lane is clear within a reasonable distance and there is good roadway visibility. This means that you should stay primarily in the right lane, and avoid simply cruising down the middle lane on a highway.
Center Turn Lanes
Some center lanes are designated only for turns. These are not part of entire three-lane roadways, but specifically designed for turning motor vehicles. When you are in such a lane, you cannot pass another vehicle. You must enter your vehicle into this turning lane from a reasonably wide, as well as safe, distance from your planned turning point. Motorists can also use the center lane to prepare to make a left turn if that particular center lane is allocated exclusively to vehicles moving in the same direction as the motorist, and the signs indicate this allocation.
Center Lane Markings
Tennessee center lanes designed for left turn use, whether into or from the road, are marked with pavement arrows designating the turning direction for traffic. You'll also see both broken and solid yellow lines delineating the lanes. These dedicated lanes don't allow travel for more than 300 feet. If you come across such a left turn lane, you may not make the turn from any other lane.
Improper Turn and Passing Penalties
In Tennessee, conviction for an improper turn costs you three points on your motor vehicle record, while improper passing costs you four points. If you're driving a commercial vehicle, an improper turn is a four-point moving violation. The price of your traffic ticket depends on municipal ordinances. For example, in Memphis, an improper turn will set you back $57.75 as of April 2014, while you'll have to pay $52.75 for a passing violation.
Posted in: Driving Tips
