Letters
But Everybody Does It!
Published: May 13, 2021 02:03 PM
To the Editor:
I have a little public service announcement for those of you who drive north or south on Main Street through the flagpole intersection. If you are one of those people that cross the white line on the right edge of the roadway and drive on the shoulder to pass left-turning vehicles (or vehicles waiting for turning vehicles) you are in violation of CT Code Section 14-233 — passing on the right.
Now if you see that violation listed on your citation or accident report you will understand. Please be patient and drive safely around our beloved flagpole — the historical traffic nuisance that it is.
Regards,
Greg Pategas
126 Toddy Hill Road, Sandy Hook May 14, 2021
it is only permissible, in the State of CT., to pass a motor vehicle on the right, when passed vehicle is making a left turn. This means, say on I-84, that if you pass a car, that is in the left lane, while travelling in the right lane, you are in violation. In the flagpole instance, if a crash occurs, you would be ticketed for failure to drive in the lane, because you crossed the white line. The line is there, in this instance, to designate travel lane/parking.
CT Sec. 14-233. Passing on right. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only when conditions permit such movement in safety and under the following conditions: (1) When the vehicle overtaken is making or has signified the intention to make a left turn; (2) when lines of vehicles traveling in the same direction in adjoining traffic lanes have come to a stop or have reduced their speed; (3) upon a one-way street free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles; (4) upon a limited access highway or parkway free from obstructions with three or more lanes provided for traffic in one direction. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the highway except where lane designations, signs, signals or markings provide for such movement. Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction.
So, if a car is slowing or stopped in your lane and signalling for a left turn you can pass it on the right if you don’t go off the road (pavement) or cross the white line onto the shoulder. The travel lane (yellow center line to right edge line) of most 2-lane roads is not wide enough to allow you to legally pass on the right. That is the situation at the flagpole.