Keep Right Except To Pass On New Jersey Highways

39:4-82 Failure to Keep Right conviction can result in 2 points and $300 fine: “Upon all highways of sufficient width, except upon one-way streets, the driver of a vehicle shall drive it on the right half of the roadway. He shall drive a vehicle as closely as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, unless it is impracticable to travel on that side of the roadway, and except when overtaking and passing another vehicle subject to the provisions of sections 39:4-84 and 39:4-85 of this Title.” In August 2013 Gov. Chris Christie has signed into law a bill that raises the penalties for violating the state’s keep-right law from $50 and $200 to between $100 and $300. In addition, the bill requires that a person who commits the offense to be subject to an additional $50 surcharge. The bill’s sponsors say staying in the left lane is dangerous. NJ estimates that it will rake in more than $400,000 a year in fines. Some of that money will go toward signs warning drivers to stay right. Under the bill trucks may be driven for up to one mile in the farthest left lane when preparing to turn left or when entering or leaving the road from the left lane. The amendments also specify that “emergency conditions” include poor visibility, snow, accidents, or the presence of emergency vehicles.