New Hampshire § 265-16 - Section 265:16 Drive on Right Side of Roadway; Exceptions.
Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 265-16 — Section 265:16 Drive on Right Side of Roadway; Exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 265-16. Section 265:16 Drive on Right Side of Roadway; Exceptions.
I. Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows: (a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement; (b) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the way; 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 way within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard; (c) Upon a roadway divided into 3 marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; (d) Upon a city street designated and signposted for one-way traffic. II. 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. III. Upon any roadway having 4 or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for 2-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic control devices 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 I(b) hereof. IV. Motor vehicles shall not be operated continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway whenever it impedes the flow of other traffic at or below the posted speed limit unless reasonable and prudent under the conditions having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. V. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a violation and shall be fined $50 plus penalty assessment.
Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 265-16
What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 265-16 cover?
Section 265-16 ("Section 265:16 Drive on Right Side of Roadway; Exceptions.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Hampshire § 265-16?
A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 265-16" (New Hampshire). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Hampshire law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.
How does New Hampshire § 265-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.