Rules in detail: Keeping left and the shoulder

Divided public roads

What the rule says. When a public road is divided into two or more roadways, no person may drive or ride a vehicle on it except on the left-hand roadway. The exception is when an appropriate road traffic sign or a traffic officer directs or permits use of another roadway.

Why it matters. It keeps traffic flowing the same way on each roadway. The rule covers any road split into two or more roadways, and applies to every driver or rider on it, not only cars.

In practice. A road has two roadways. You use the left-hand one unless a traffic officer waves you onto the other.

Key idea: Use the left-hand roadway unless a sign or officer says otherwise.

Driving on the left side of the roadway

What the rule says. Any person driving a vehicle on a public road must drive on the left side of the roadway. Where the roadway is wide enough, you must not encroach on the half of the roadway to your right. Encroachment is allowed where it can be done without obstructing or endangering other traffic, or in compliance with a direction of a traffic officer or a road traffic sign.

Why it matters. The right half is for oncoming traffic.

In practice. A traffic officer directs you around an obstruction by moving to the right half. This is allowed, because it follows his direction.

Key idea: Keep left; cross right only if safe, or directed.

When another vehicle wants to pass you

What the rule says. When you become aware of other traffic going the same way that wishes to pass your vehicle, you must drive as near to the left edge of the roadway as is possible, without endangering yourself, other traffic or property. You must not accelerate until the other vehicle has passed.

Why it matters. Speeding up makes the pass longer and more dangerous.

In practice. A truck flashes behind you. You move left as far as it is safe and hold a steady speed until it is past.

Key idea: Move left and do not accelerate while being passed.

Oncoming traffic and stationary buses

What the rule says. When you are about to pass oncoming traffic, your vehicle must not encroach on the roadway to your right in a way that may obstruct or endanger that traffic. The driver of a vehicle intending to pass a stationary bus must do so with due care for the safety of persons who are approaching or leaving, or may approach or leave, the bus.

Why it matters. People often step out from behind a bus.

In practice. You approach a stopped minibus taxi where passengers are getting off. Slow down and watch for people crossing before you pass.

Key idea: Do not endanger oncoming traffic; take care at a stationary bus.

Driving on the shoulder

What the rule says. No person may drive a light motor vehicle on the shoulder of a public road. The exception is between sunrise and sunset, on a public road with one lane of traffic in each direction, while the vehicle is being overtaken by another vehicle, if the driver can do so without endangering himself or herself, other traffic, pedestrians or property, and if persons and vehicles on the road are clearly visible at a distance of at least 150 metres. A flat tyre is given as an example of a time you may need the shoulder.

Why it matters. The shoulder is not a driving lane.

In practice. On a two-lane road in daylight with a clear view ahead, you may move onto the shoulder while a vehicle overtakes you. In the dark, the exception does not apply.

Key idea: Shoulder: only in daylight, one lane each way, while being overtaken, 150 m visible, safe.

Quick recap

• Divided road: use the left-hand roadway unless a sign or officer directs otherwise
• Drive on the left side of the roadway
• Encroach right only if safe, or when directed by an officer or sign
• When being passed: keep left and do not accelerate
• Stationary bus: take due care for people approaching or leaving
• Shoulder for a light motor vehicle: only sunrise to sunset
• Shoulder exception needs 150 metres clear visibility