Practice question

On a multilane roadway, which lanes should you use for passing?

  1. The right lane
  2. The middle or left lanes
  3. The far right lane
  4. The shoulder lane

Answer: B — The middle or left lanes

The correct choice emphasizes that when passing on a multilane roadway, the middle or left lanes are the appropriate options. This is because passing is typically performed on the left side in most driving situations, allowing for greater visibility of the roadway ahead and minimizing the risk of collisions with vehicles traveling in the same direction. Using the middle or left lanes for passing ensures that you are moving towards the lanes that are designed for faster traffic and provides a clear path for maneuvers. Additionally, many states have laws that require drivers to keep right except when passing, which aligns with this choice. Passings that occur in the right lane, or attempting to use the shoulder for passing, can be dangerous and may be illegal, as these actions could disrupt the flow of traffic and create safety hazards. Therefore, using the middle or left lanes is the common practice for safe and legal passing on multilane roadways.

Practice more: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Practice Test →