An Act To Clarify the Use and Purpose of Center Turn Lanes
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2051, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1997, c. 653, §7, is further amended to read:
2. Two-way lane. On a public way that is divided into 3 more than 2 lanes and provides one of those lanes provides for 2-way movement of traffic, a vehicle may not be operated in the center that lane except:
A. When overtaking and passing another vehicle when the way is clearly visible and the center 2-way traffic lane is clear of traffic for a safe distance, unless an official sign or traffic control device limits the use of the center that lane to turning only;
B. In preparation for a left turn from the 2-way traffic lane; or
C. Where When the center 2-way traffic lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is posted to give notice of that allocation . ; or
D. As part of a 2-part turn when the vehicle turning left from a driveway or entrance uses the 2-way traffic lane until the travel lane in the direction the vehicle is proceeding can be entered safely by the vehicle.
summary
This bill clarifies the intent of and proper use of a 2-way traffic lane to allow a motorist to turn safely onto a public way from an entrance or driveway.