Is it Legal to Pass on the Right in Virginia?

In Virginia, a driver may pass on the right of another vehicle only when the overtaken vehicle is making or about to make a left turn, on a highway, a one-way street, or a one-way roadway with no obstructions and enough width for at least two lines of moving vehicles. Illegally passing on the right in Virginia is considered a traffic infraction.

As an experienced car accident lawyer in Virginia, I am very familiar with traffic laws, and I can explain how they impact your case. The first consultation is always free, so you have nothing to lose by calling Atkinson Law today to schedule a meeting.

When Can You Legally Pass on the Right in Virginia?

Virginia Code § 46.2-841 describes the circumstances under which you can pass another vehicle on the right. In fact, passing on the right is more strictly regulated than passing on the left in Virginia.

You can pass to the right of another vehicle only under the following circumstances:

• The overtaken vehicle is making (or about to make) a left turn, and the driver signals this.
• On a highway with no obstructions, wide enough for at least two lines of moving vehicles.
• On a one-way roadway or street when there are no obstructions, and it is wide enough for at least two lines of moving vehicles.

In Virginia, you can pass a vehicle on the right only if it’s safe to do so. Unless there are signs allowing it, you can’t pass on the shoulder, off the pavement, or away from the main part of the road.

Drivers are not allowed to cross a solid line for a bicycle lane to pass another vehicle except when directed by law-enforcement officers or if the roadway cannot be passed any other way due to a traffic accident, emergency, or weather conditions.

When Is Passing on the Right Illegal in Virginia?

In Virginia, passing to the right of a vehicle is not allowed when crossing the shoulder pass or center lane. You cannot pass another car using a lane for turning or parking, a shoulder, or an exit ramp. On two-lane highways, you may only pass vehicles on the left. Also, you may only pass one car at a time.

How to Safely Pass on the Right in Virginia

When passing on the right in Virginia, prioritize safety at all times. Motorists should adhere to marked lanes and not pass on the shoulder unless explicitly permitted by signs. Also, use turn signals to indicate intentions, regularly check mirrors and blind spots, and make sure there is enough space between vehicles.

When passing, do so one vehicle at a time, maintaining a safe distance and avoiding congested areas where visibility might be compromised. Being highly visible to other drivers, especially when passing, can prevent accidents. Therefore, make sure that the headlights and taillights are functioning correctly.

Additionally, passing smoothly at safe speeds reduces the risk of collisions and maintains traffic flow. Do not cut off other drivers when merging back into the right lane, as this can lead to dangerous situations.

Virginia Is an At-Fault Auto Insurance State

Virginia is an at-fault insurance state for car accidents. This means that the person responsible for causing the crash is usually the one who has to pay for the damages. The at-fault driver’s insurance company should cover all the costs associated with the collision, including repairs and medical bills for the other party involved.

In some cases, if the liable party does not have enough insurance coverage, they might have to pay out of pocket. As the injured victim, you can also rely on your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

How a Car Accident Lawyer in Virginia Can Help You

Being involved in a collision can be traumatic. As an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer, I will guide you through the legal process and fight to recover all your losses. I have served as a licensed attorney for over 15 years, so you can trust me to protect your rights.

Your car accident lawyer can help you by:

• Providing legal advice.
• Investigating the accident.
• Gathering evidence to support your case.
• Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Representing you in court if necessary.
• Seeking compensation for damages.
• Handling paperwork and administrative tasks.

I understand that it may feel intimidating to take any action after a car accident, but you don’t have to do it alone. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer like me to increase the chances of a successful outcome for your case.

Call Atkinson Law for a Free Consultation

I created my own personal injury law firm because I knew I could raise the standard of legal care. Recognizing the importance of compassionate support, I prioritize the needs of each client. By creating tailored legal strategies around the unique details of your case, I make sure that your voice is heard. 

After reviewing your claim in a free initial consultation, I can outline your legal options for recovering any losses. Contact me today, and we will start building your case.