DMV Permit · Lane Positioning

On a multi-lane road with traffic moving in both directions, which lane should you generally use for normal driving?

  1. A The leftmost lane
  2. B The rightmost lane that is not for parking or exiting
  3. C The middle lane only
  4. D Whichever lane is moving fastest

Why this is the answer

On a multi-lane road, the right lane is for normal driving and the left lane is for passing. The 'keep right except to pass' rule reduces lane-changing and the conflicts it creates. Slow vehicles in the left lane disrupt traffic flow and force faster traffic to pass on the right, which is more dangerous than passing on the left. Some states fine drivers for camping in the left lane. The middle lane (on three-lane roads) is for through traffic going at the normal flow. Always use the right lane for slow driving, when towing, when leaving the highway soon, or when other traffic is faster than you. The 'fast lane' is not a privilege earned by who can drive there fastest; it is a passing lane.
Source: Standard state driver handbook, Lane Use

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