331.08 DRIVING IN MARKED LANES OR CONTINUOUS LINES OF TRAFFIC.

   (a)   Whenever any roadway has been divided into three or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, or whenever within the City traffic is lawfully moving in two or more substantially continuous lines in the same direction, the rules set forth in this section, in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply:

      (1)   A vehicle shall be driven, as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane or line of traffic, and shall not be moved from such lane or line until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made in safety.

      (2)   Upon a roadway which is divided into three or more lanes, one of which is designated by official pavement markings or overhead or shoulder-mounted signing or both markings and signing, as a common left-turning lane or positive left turning lane, a vehicle shall not be driven in such turning lane except in preparation for a left turn.

      (3)   Drivers of vehicles shall obey the direction of every official pavement marking or overhead or shoulder-mounted signing, or both markings or signing, which have been placed in or about the roadway designating specific lanes for slow moving traffic, lanes for through traffic or lanes for right or left turning movements at intersections.

         (Ord. 95181. Passed 9-7-77.)

   (b)   Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(ORC 4511.33)