NY State — NY Vehicle and Traffic Law

§ 1120 — Drive on right side of roadway; exceptions

Brooklyn since 2014All five boroughsSame-day response during business hours

Statute text reproduced from nysenate.gov. Not attorney-reviewed for your situation — for reference only.

What is NY VTL § 1120?

Quick Answer

1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement; 2.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

Michael Nacmias - Founding PartnerMichael Sargo - Partner
From the team atNacmias Law Firm, PLLCBrooklyn-based attorneys representingproperty owners across all five boroughsMeet the team →

§ 1120 Drive on right side of roadway; exceptions

VTL § 1120

(a)Upon all roadways 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 under the rules governing such movement;

2.When overtaking or passing bicyclists, pedestrians, animals or obstructions on the right half of the roadway;

3.When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the right of way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;

4.Where travel on the shoulder or slope is permitted by section eleven hundred thirty-one of this article;

5.Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or

6.Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.

(b)In addition, upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

(c)Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by signs or markings designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under subsection (a) (2) hereof.

Common Questions

Our team

Meet the people you will work with

Free case review

Talk to an attorney before you act on NYC code.

Free 15-minute case review with the attorney handling your matter. Same-day response during business hours across all five boroughs — OATH hearings, Housing Court, and real estate closings.

Or email us

[email protected]

An attorney reads every message.

  • Same-day response

    During business hours

  • Direct attorney access

    Same lawyer from intake to close

  • Flat-fee pricing

    On most OATH and closing matters