331.02 PASSING TO RIGHT WHEN PROCEEDING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS.

   Operators of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction, each operator shall give to the other one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway or as nearly one-half as is reasonably possible.

(ORC 4511.26)

Penalty - see Sections 307.01 and 307.02

331.03 OVERTAKING, PASSING TO LEFT; DRIVER'S DUTIES.

   The following rules govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction:

   (a)   The operator of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall, except as provided in division (c) of this section, signal to the vehicle to be overtaken, 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.

   (b)   Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the operator of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle at the latter's audible signal, and the operator shall not increase the speed of the operator's vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

   (c)   The operator of a vehicle overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction on a divided highway as defined in Ohio R.C. 4511.35, a limited access highway as defined in Ohio R.C. 5511.02, or a highway with four or more traffic lanes is not required to signal audibly to the vehicle being overtaken and passed.

(ORC 4511.27)

Penalty - see Sections 307.01 and 307.02

331.04 OVERTAKING, PASSING TO RIGHT OF VEHICLE.

   (a)   The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass on the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

      (1)   When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn; or

      (2)   Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle.

   (b)   The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle only under conditions permitting the movement in safety. The movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway.

(ORC 4511.28)

Penalty - see Sections 307.01 and 307.02

331.05 OVERTAKING, PASSING TO LEFT OF CENTERLINE.

   No vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing traffic 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 safe operation of any traffic approaching from the opposite direction or any traffic 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 the traffic approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle.

(ORC 4511.29)

Penalty - see Sections 307.01 and 307.02

331.06 DRIVING UPON LEFT SIDE OF ROADWAY.

   (a)   No vehicle shall be driven upon 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 operator's view is obstructed within such a distance as to create a hazard in the event traffic might approach from the opposite direction;

      (2)   When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel; or

      (3)   When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing.

   (b)   This section does not apply to vehicles upon a one-way roadway, upon a roadway where traffic is lawfully directed to be driven to the left side, or under the conditions described in Ohio R.C. 4511.25(A)(2) or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance.

(ORC 4511.30)

Penalty - see Sections 307.01 and 307.02