Rules for Passing

1. Rules for passing on the left when no special signals are lit (no amber or red lights flashing)

-         Title 75, 3305, Limitations on overtaking on the left:

“No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center or marked center line of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken.  In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and, in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle.”

                  The above vehicle code section outlines basic guidelines for passing an

                  automobile on the left.

-         Title 75, 3306, Limitations on driving on the left side of roadway:

“(a) GENERAL RULE – No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the roadway under any of the following conditions:

(1)   When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the driver’s view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.

(2)   When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing, unless otherwise indicated by official traffic-control devices.

(3)   When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 fee of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.”

                   The above section outlines more specific rules when moving into an

                   oncoming lane of travel in order to pass another vehicle.

-         Title 75, 3309, Driving on roadways laned for traffic:

“Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others not inconsistent therewith shall apply: (1) DRIVING WITHIN A SINGLE LANE. – A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.”

                   The above section is often cited when drivers fail to maintain their vehicles

                   within a single lane.  This section may apply if pulling the bus partially into

                   an oncoming lane in order to try and stop traffic from passing.

2. Information regarding people passing the bus while the amber lights are flashing:

-         Title 75, 3345, Meeting or overtaking school bus:

“(b) DUTY OF APPROACHING DRIVER WHEN AMBER SIGNALS ARE FLASHING. – The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking any school bus shall proceed past the school bus with caution and shall be prepared to stop when the amber signal lights are flashing.”

3. Information about driver activating red flashing lights:

-         Title 75, 3345, Meeting or overtaking school bus:

“(c) USE OF RED SIGNALS. – The red visual signals shall be actuated by the driver of every school bus whenever the vehicle is stopped on a highway or trafficway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children, except as provided in subsections (e) and (f).  The signals shall not be terminated until the school children who may have alighted from the school bus have reached a place of safety or until boarding school children have completed boarding the bus.”

                  Sections (e) and (f) deal with times when the red lights do not have to be used. 

                 This section details that the red flashing lights shall not be actuated until the

                 bus is physically stopped (according to the rules, no rolling reds).