A. Passing Vehicles Proceeding In Opposite Direction: Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right. Upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction, each driver shall give to the other at least one-half (1/2) of the traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible. (1992 Code § 15-502)
B. Overtaking Vehicle On Left:
1. The following requirements shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions and special requirements hereinafter stated: (1992 Code § 15-503; amd. 2006 Code)
a. The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle; and (1992 Code § 15-503)
b. Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. (1992 Code §§ 15-503, 15-505)
2. No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. The overtaking vehicle must return to the roadway before coming within one hundred feet (100') of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
3. Except as provided elsewhere in this title, the driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
4. Every driver who intends to pass another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, which requires movement of his vehicle from one lane of traffic to another, shall first see that such movement can be made with safety and shall proceed to pass only after giving a proper signal by hand or mechanical device. (1992 Code § 15-505)
C. When Overtaking On Right Is Permitted:
1. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
a. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn and has so properly signaled for a left turn; (1992 Code § 15-504)
b. Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two (2) or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction; and (1992 Code § 15-504; amd. 2006 Code)
c. Upon a one-way street or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two (2) or more lanes of moving vehicles.
2. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway. (1992 Code § 15-504)
D. No Passing Zones:
1. Specific No Passing Zones:
a. Established: No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:
(1) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon 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 traversing an intersection or railroad grade crossing; or
(3) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet (100') of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
b. Violation: It is a violation to pass on the left by going to the left of the center of the roadway across a double marked centerline for the purpose of passing a vehicle traveling in the same direction.
c. Exemptions: This subsection D1 shall not apply upon a one-way roadway. (1992 Code § 15-506)
2. Authority To Designate No Passing Zones; Compliance Required:
a. The Oklahoma department of transportation as regards state and federal highways, and the mayor, subject to direction of the council, as regards all other streets, are authorized to determine those portions of a highway where overtaking and passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and shall, by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway, have the beginning and end of such zones indicated. When such signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person, every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof.
b. Where signs or markings are in place to define a no passing zone, no driver shall at any time drive to the left side of the roadway within such no passing zone or on the left side of any pavement stripping designed to mark such no passing zone through its length. (1992 Code § 15-507)
E. Passing Stopped School Bus:
1. Procedure: The driver of a vehicle upon any street or highway in the city upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus on which the red loading signals are in operation and which has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children and other occupants shall stop the vehicle before it reaches the school bus. The driver may then proceed to pass such school bus at a speed which is reasonable and prudent and with due caution for the safety of such school children and other occupants after the loading signals are deactivated.
2. Signs And Lights On Bus: Every school bus used for the transportation of school children shall bear upon the front and rear thereof plainly visible signs containing the words "School Bus" in letters not less than eight inches (8") in height and, in addition, shall be equipped with visual signs meeting the requirements of state law which shall be actuated by the driver of the school bus whenever, but only whenever, such vehicle is stopped on a street or highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children.
3. Exemptions: The driver of a vehicle upon a street or highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is part of or adjacent to such street or highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (1992 Code § 15-508)