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Texas Law Reference

Texas Transportation Code §545.051: passing, lane use and driving on the right

The official text of the Texas statutes on driving on the right half of the road, passing on the left and right, no-passing zones, staying in one lane, driving on a shoulder and motorcycle lane use, with a plain-language explanation and how a Texas crash report records unsafe passing and lane changes. Text last checked October 30, 2026.

14 min readPublished October 30, 2026Last updated October 30, 2026Edited by Joseph Budzinski, CTO, InjuryClaimGuide

The short answer

Texas Transportation Code §545.051(a) says an operator on a roadway of sufficient width "shall drive on the right half of the roadway", with listed exceptions (Transp. Code §545.051). An operator passing another vehicle "shall pass to the left of the other vehicle at a safe distance" and may not move back to the right until safely clear (§545.053), and on a roadway divided into clearly marked lanes an operator "shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane" and may not leave it "unless that movement can be made safely" (§545.060). In a Texas crash report, the officer's opinion about these rules is recorded with contributing-factor codes such as 4, 23, 26, 53 and 57 (TxDOT code sheet CR-3CS).

This entry provides general informational guidance and is not legal advice.

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Key facts (as of October 30, 2026)

  • Right half of the road. An operator on a roadway of sufficient width drives on the right half, unless passing, getting around an obstruction, on a roadway of three marked lanes or on a one-way roadway (§545.051(a)).
  • Slower traffic stays right. An operator moving more slowly than the normal speed of other vehicles drives in the right-hand lane available, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge, with two listed exceptions (§545.051(b)).
  • Passing on the left. Pass at a safe distance; stay out of the left side unless it is clearly visible and free of approaching traffic; return to the lane before coming within 200 feet of an approaching vehicle if an opposing lane is used (§545.053, §545.054).
  • No-passing zones. An operator may not drive on the left side of the roadway in a no-passing zone (§545.055(b)).
  • One lane. On a laned roadway an operator drives as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and moves out of it only when that can be done safely (§545.060(a)).
  • Motorcycles. A motorcycle operator is entitled to full use of a lane, and may not ride between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction (§545.0605).
  • On the crash report. Codes 4, 23, 24, 26, 27, 53, 57, 58, 69, 70, 71 and 79 are in list 38 (CR-3CS).
  • Section added in 2023. The history line for §545.0605 lists Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., ch. 756 (H.B. 4122) as its enacting act; §545.058 was last amended in 2019.

What does §545.051 say about driving on the right?

The official text of subsections (a) and (b) of Tex. Transp. Code §545.051, as published by the Texas Legislature:

Sec. 545.051. DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY. (a) An operator on a roadway of sufficient width shall drive on the right half of the roadway, unless:

(1) the operator is passing another vehicle;

(2) an obstruction necessitates moving the vehicle left of the center of the roadway and the operator yields the right-of-way to a vehicle that:

(A) is moving in the proper direction on the unobstructed portion of the roadway; and

(B) is an immediate hazard;

(3) the operator is on a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic; or

(4) the operator is on a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.

(b) An operator of a vehicle on a roadway moving more slowly than the normal speed of other vehicles at the time and place under the existing conditions shall drive in the right-hand lane available for vehicles, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, unless the operator is:

(1) passing another vehicle; or

(2) preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

Subsection (c) says an operator on a roadway having four or more lanes for moving vehicles and providing for two-way movement "may not drive left of the center line of the roadway" except in three listed situations (§545.051(c)). Section 545.052 requires an operator moving in the opposite direction of another operator to move to or remain to the right and, on a roadway wide enough for not more than one line of vehicle movement in each direction, to give the other operator "at least one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway" or, if that is not possible, "as much of the roadway as possible" (§545.052).

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §545.051, statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Text last checked October 30, 2026.

What do §§545.053 to 545.055 say about passing on the left?

Sec. 545.053. PASSING TO THE LEFT; RETURN; BEING PASSED. (a) An operator passing another vehicle:

(1) shall pass to the left of the other vehicle at a safe distance; and

(2) may not move back to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the passed vehicle.

(b) An operator being passed by another vehicle:

(1) shall, on audible signal, move or remain to the right in favor of the passing vehicle; and

(2) may not accelerate until completely passed by the passing vehicle.

(c) Subsection (b) does not apply when passing to the right is permitted.

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §545.053, statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Sec. 545.054. PASSING TO THE LEFT: SAFE DISTANCE. (a) An operator may not drive on the left side of the center of the roadway in passing another vehicle unless:

(1) driving on the left side of the center of the roadway is authorized by this subtitle; and

(2) the left side is clearly visible and free of approaching traffic for a distance sufficient to permit passing without interfering with the operation of the passed vehicle or a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

(b) An operator passing another vehicle shall return to an authorized lane of travel:

(1) before coming within 200 feet of an approaching vehicle, if a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction is used in passing; or otherwise

(2) as soon as practicable.

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §545.054, statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Sec. 545.055. PASSING TO THE LEFT: PASSING ZONES.

(b) An operator may not drive on the left side of the roadway in a no-passing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark a no-passing zone. This subsection does not prohibit a driver from crossing pavement striping, or the center line in a no-passing zone marked by signs only, to make a left turn into or out of an alley or private road or driveway.

Subsection (a) of §545.055 requires an operator to obey the directions of a sign or marking "if the sign or marking is in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person", and subsections (c) and (d) let the Texas Transportation Commission, on a state highway, and a local authority, on a highway under its jurisdiction, determine the portions of the highway where "passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous" and mark each no-passing zone with signs or markings (§545.055). Section 545.056 separately bars driving to the left side of the roadway when approaching within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, viaduct or tunnel, with listed limits and exceptions (§545.056).

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §545.055, statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Text last checked October 30, 2026.

What do §545.057 and §545.058 say about passing on the right and driving on a shoulder?

Sec. 545.057. PASSING TO THE RIGHT. (a) An operator may pass to the right of another vehicle only if conditions permit safely passing to the right and:

(1) the vehicle being passed is making or about to make a left turn; and

(2) the operator is:

(A) on a highway having unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles and sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction; or

(B) on a one-way street or on a roadway having traffic restricted to one direction of movement and the roadway is free from obstructions and wide enough for two or more lines of moving vehicles.

(b) An operator may not pass to the right by leaving the main traveled portion of a roadway except as provided by Section 545.058.

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §545.057, statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Section 545.058(a) says an operator "may drive on an improved shoulder to the right of the main traveled portion of a roadway if that operation is necessary and may be done safely, but only" for seven listed purposes: to stop, stand or park; to accelerate before entering the main traveled lane; to decelerate before a right turn; to pass another vehicle that is slowing or stopped on the main traveled portion, disabled or preparing to make a left turn; to allow another vehicle traveling faster to pass; as permitted or required by an official traffic-control device; or to avoid a collision. Subsection (b) gives three narrower reasons to drive on an improved shoulder to the left of a divided or limited-access or controlled-access highway, and subsection (c) says the limits do not apply to an authorized emergency vehicle responding to a call, a police patrol, a bicycle or a slow-moving vehicle (§545.058). "Improved shoulder" means "a paved shoulder" (§541.302(6)).

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §545.058, statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Text last checked October 30, 2026.

What do §§545.059 to 545.061 say about lanes?

Sec. 545.060. DRIVING ON ROADWAY LANED FOR TRAFFIC. (a) An operator on a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic:

(1) shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane; and

(2) may not move from the lane unless that movement can be made safely.

Subsection (b) limits use of the center lane of a three-lane roadway with two-way movement to passing when the lane is clear within a safe distance, preparing to make a left turn, or where an official traffic-control device designates it, and subsection (d) allows official traffic-control devices "prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway" (§545.060).

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §545.060, statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Sec. 545.0605. OPERATION OF MOTORCYCLES ON ROADWAY LANED FOR TRAFFIC. (a) The operator of a motorcycle:

(1) is entitled to full use of a lane and, except as otherwise provided by Subdivision (2), a motor vehicle may not be driven in a manner that deprives a motorcycle of the full use of a lane;

(2) may operate the motorcycle two abreast in a single lane with another motorcycle; and

(3) may not;

(A) operate the motorcycle more than two abreast in a single lane with other motorcycles;

(B) operate the motorcycle between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction; or

(C) pass a motor vehicle while in the same lane as the vehicle being passed.

Subsection (b) says subsection (a)(3) "does not apply to a police officer in the performance of the officer's official duties" (§545.0605).

Source: Tex. Transp. Code §545.0605, statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Two shorter rules complete the group. On a roadway designated and signed for one-way traffic, "an operator shall drive only in the direction indicated" (§545.059(b)). On a roadway of three or more lanes with one-way movement, "an operator entering a lane of traffic from a lane to the right shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering the same lane of traffic from a lane to the left" (§545.061). Text last checked October 30, 2026.

What does it mean in plain language?

  • Right is the default. Unless an exception applies, the operator keeps to the right half of a roadway of sufficient width, and slower traffic keeps to the right-hand lane available.
  • A pass has three parts. The statute covers the pass (safe distance, left side clearly visible and free of approaching traffic), the return (not until safely clear, and before coming within 200 feet of an approaching vehicle if an opposing lane is used) and the driver being passed (move or remain to the right on audible signal, and do not accelerate).
  • Zones and signs. In a no-passing zone, an operator may not drive on the left side of the roadway or on the left side of the striping that marks the zone, with the left-turn exception the subsection states.
  • Right-side passing is narrow. Section 545.057 lists conditions that must be met; the section does not make passing on the right generally permitted.
  • A shoulder is for listed purposes. Section 545.058 lists the purposes for driving on an improved shoulder; passing a vehicle that is slowing or stopped on the main traveled portion is one of them.
  • One lane, moved from safely. Section 545.060(a) is the rule that a lane change cannot be made unless it "can be made safely".
  • A motorcycle has the full lane. Section 545.0605(a)(1) is written as an entitlement of the motorcycle operator and a limit on how a motor vehicle may be driven; the three limits in (a)(3) are for the motorcycle operator.
  • A traffic offense. Failing to perform an act the subtitle requires is an offense, generally a misdemeanor (§542.301).

How does a crash report record passing and lane use?

  • Twelve codes. In list 38 of the code sheet, the relevant codes are 4 "Changed Lane when Unsafe", 23 "Failed to Drive in Single Lane", 24 "Failed to Give Half of Roadway", 26 "Failed to Pass to Left Safely", 27 "Failed to Pass to Right Safely", 53 "Overtake and Pass Insufficient Clearance", 57 "Passed in No Passing Lane", 58 "Passed on Shoulder", 69 "Wrong Side - Approach or Intersection", 70 "Wrong Side - Not Passing", 71 "Wrong Way - One Way Road" and 79 "Drove on improved shoulder" (CR-3CS, 4/1/2023).
  • How TxDOT defines them. TxDOT's CR-100 instructions describe code 26 as when "a vehicle passing to the left infringes on the space of the overtaken vehicle and the action contributes to the crash", citing "Section 545.053 (a)", and code 53 as when "an overtaking vehicle does not have sufficient space to return to the right side of the roadway safely, because of oncoming traffic", citing "Section 545.054 (a)" (CR-100, Version 29.0). Code 26 carries the note "Do not confuse with number 53".
  • Lane codes. CR-100 describes code 4 as when a vehicle "intentionally moves outside the lane of travel when the movement cannot be made safely" and code 23 as when a driver "failed to keep their vehicle entirely within their lane of travel", both citing "Section 545.060 (a)".
  • Wrong side and wrong way. CR-100 describes code 70 as when a vehicle "is driven on the wrong side of the roadway not in the act of overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction", citing "Section 545.051", and code 71 as when a vehicle "is driven the wrong way on a one-way roadway or the wrong way on a divided highway", citing "Section 545.059".
  • An opinion, not a charge. The contributing factors on a CR-3 are the investigating officer's opinion. The guide to reading a Texas crash report explains the other fields and code lists.
  • Civil claims are separate. These sections say what a driver must do. They do not say whether or how a violation matters in a civil injury claim; Texas's rules on dividing responsibility among the people involved are in chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which the §33.001 entry quotes.

What applies in Houston and Harris County?

  • Statewide rules. Sections 545.051 to 545.061 apply on Houston streets and Harris County roads and freeways as everywhere in Texas.
  • Local no-passing zones. Section 545.055(d) lets a local authority determine and mark no-passing zones on highways under its jurisdiction. This entry does not list any marked zone; the signs and pavement markings on the road show where one applies.
  • No local rule found. No City of Houston or Harris County ordinance on passing, lane use or driving on a shoulder was read for this entry, and none is listed.
  • Motorcycle lane use. The motorcycle lane rule in §545.0605 is a statewide rule; the Texas motorcycle accident law guide covers the motorcycle topic more broadly, and the helmet entry covers chapter 661.
  • Same crash report. A crash investigated by the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff's Office or another agency is reported on the same CR-3 form; the Houston crash report guide lists how each local agency says to request a copy.

When was this checked, and can it change?

The text above was last checked on October 30, 2026, against the official text published by the Texas Legislature, and the TxDOT code sheet and instructions were read the same day. The Legislature can amend a statute in any session. It convenes in regular session on the second Tuesday in January of each odd-numbered year (Gov't Code §301.001), so the next regular session begins on January 12, 2027. This entry is scheduled to be rechecked against the official text by April 2027 and again after the 2027 regular session ends.

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Frequently asked questions

Which side of the road must a driver use in Texas?
Under Tex. Transp. Code §545.051(a), an operator on a roadway of sufficient width shall drive on the right half of the roadway, with listed exceptions: passing another vehicle, moving left to get around an obstruction while yielding to a vehicle that is an immediate hazard, a roadway divided into three marked lanes, and a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
How must a driver pass another vehicle on the left in Texas?
Section 545.053(a) says an operator passing another vehicle shall pass to the left of the other vehicle at a safe distance and may not move back to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the passed vehicle. Section 545.054(a) adds that the left side must be clearly visible and free of approaching traffic for a distance sufficient to permit passing without interfering with the operation of the passed vehicle or a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
What must a driver do when another vehicle is passing?
Section 545.053(b) says an operator being passed shall, on audible signal, move or remain to the right in favor of the passing vehicle and may not accelerate until completely passed by the passing vehicle. Subsection (c) says subsection (b) does not apply when passing to the right is permitted.
When can a Texas driver pass on the right or use the shoulder?
Section 545.057(a) allows passing to the right only if conditions permit safely passing to the right, the vehicle being passed is making or about to make a left turn, and the roadway meets one of two descriptions in the section. Section 545.058(a) allows driving on an improved shoulder to the right of the main traveled portion only if that is necessary and can be done safely, and only for seven listed purposes, such as stopping, accelerating before entering the main lane, passing a slowing or stopped vehicle and avoiding a collision.
Do Texas lane rules apply to motorcycles differently?
Section 545.0605(a) says a motorcycle operator is entitled to full use of a lane and a motor vehicle may not be driven in a manner that deprives a motorcycle of the full use of a lane, with an exception for two motorcycles abreast in one lane. A motorcycle operator may not operate more than two abreast in a lane, operate between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, or pass a motor vehicle while in the same lane as the vehicle being passed. Subsection (b) says the three limits do not apply to a police officer performing official duties.
How does a Texas crash report show passing and lane crashes?
TxDOT's code sheet (Form CR-3CS, 4/1/2023) lists contributing-factor codes 4 (Changed Lane when Unsafe), 23 (Failed to Drive in Single Lane), 24 (Failed to Give Half of Roadway), 26 and 27 (Failed to Pass to Left or Right Safely), 53 (Overtake and Pass Insufficient Clearance), 57 (Passed in No Passing Lane), 58 (Passed on Shoulder), 69 and 70 (Wrong Side), 71 (Wrong Way - One Way Road) and 79 (Drove on improved shoulder). TxDOT's CR-100 instructions tie each code to a section this entry quotes or summarizes.
Does an unsafe pass or lane change decide who is responsible for a crash?
No. Sections 545.051 to 545.061 are rules of the road for drivers. They do not decide responsibility for any crash or the outcome of any claim, and a crash report's contributing factors are the investigating officer's opinion. Texas's proportionate responsibility rules are in Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code chapter 33. An attorney can advise you about your specific situation.

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