Full text of Utah Utah Code § 6a-710 — Roadway divided into marked lanes -- Provisions -- Traffic-control devices., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 6a-710. Roadway divided into marked lanes -- Provisions -- Traffic-control devices.
Effective 5/6/2026
41-6a-710.
Roadway divided into marked lanes -- Provisions -- Traffic-control devices.
On a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following provisions apply and any violation of this section is an infraction:
| (1) |
| (a) | Except as provided in Subsection (1)(c), a person operating a vehicle:
| (i) | shall keep the vehicle as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane; and |
| (ii) | may not move the vehicle from the lane until the operator has reasonably determined the movement can be made safely. |
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| (b) | A determination under Subsection (1)(a)(ii) is reasonable if a reasonable person acting under the same conditions and having regard for actual and potential hazards then existing would determine that the movement could be made safely. |
| (c) | Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to:
| (i) | an individual operating a motorcycle engaging in lane filtering as described in Section 41-6a-704; |
| (ii) | a school bus that temporarily impedes a parking or bike lane while operating along the school bus's planned route and schedule; or |
| (iii) | a public transit vehicle, as defined in Section 17B-2a-802, that temporarily impedes a parking or bike lane while loading or unloading passengers, or making an operational adjustment, along the public transit vehicle's planned route and schedule. |
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| (2) |
| (a) | On a roadway divided into three or more lanes and providing for two-way movement of traffic, a person operating a vehicle may not drive in the center lane except:
| (i) | when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction, and when the center lane is:
| (A) | clear of traffic within a safe distance; and |
| (B) | not a two-way left turn lane; |
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| (ii) | in preparation of making or completing a left turn in compliance with Section 41-6a-801; or |
| (iii) | where the center lane is allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle is proceeding as indicated by traffic-control devices. |
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| (b) | Notwithstanding Subsection (2)(a)(i) and in accordance with Subsection (1)(a), a person operating a vehicle may drive in a center lane that is a two-way left turn lane if:
| (i) | the center lane is:
| (A) | on a roadway divided into three or more lanes that provides for two-way movement of traffic; and |
| (B) | clear of traffic within a safe distance; |
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| (ii) | there is only one lane of travel in the direction the person operating the vehicle is traveling; and |
| (iii) | the person operating the vehicle is overtaking and passing a bicycle or moped that is moving at less than the reasonable speed of traffic that is present. |
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| (3) |
| (a) | A highway authority may erect traffic-control devices directing specified traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway. |
| (b) | An operator of a vehicle shall obey the directions of a traffic-control device erected under Subsection (3)(a). |
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| (4) |
| (a) | A person operating a motor vehicle may not drive within a bicycle lane except:
| (i) | to cross a bicycle lane when turning into an intersection, street, alley, driveway, or other parking area; |
| (ii) | when responding to striping, traffic control devices, or emergency conditions; or |
| (iii) | while operating:
| (A) | an authorized emergency vehicle; |
| (B) | a snow removal vehicle; |
| (C) | a vehicle providing municipal-type services, as defined in Section 19-3-303; |
| (D) | a school bus or transit vehicle, as defined in Section 17B-2a-802, to load or unload passengers, or make an operational adjustment, along the school bus's or transit vehicle's planned route and schedule; or |
| (E) | a vehicle used by a postal service, as defined in Section 76-6-1001. |
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| (b) | A person operating a motor vehicle within a bicycle lane as described in Subsection (4)(a)(i) shall yield the right of way to all bicycle traffic within the lane. |
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Amended by Chapter
432, 2026 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 6a-710
What does Utah Code § 6a-710 cover?
Section 6a-710 ("Roadway divided into marked lanes -- Provisions -- Traffic-control devices.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 6a-710?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 6a-710" (Utah). 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 Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 6a-710 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
