Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 89, § 4B (2026)

Driving in lane nearest right side of way

✓ current as of July 2026

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Section 4B. Upon all ways the driver of a vehicle shall drive in the lane nearest the right side of the way when such lane is available for travel, except when overtaking another vehicle or when preparing for a left turn. When the right lane has been constructed or designated for purposes other than ordinary travel, a driver shall drive his vehicle in the lane adjacent to the right lane except when overtaking another vehicle or when preparing for a left or right turn; provided, however, that a driver may drive his vehicle in such right lane if signs have been erected by the department of highways permitting the use of such lane.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 7 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1966–2021 · leading case: United States v. Rivera, 988 F.3d 579 (1st Cir. 2021).

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United States v. Rivera, 988 F.3d 579 (1st Cir. 2021). “See Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 89, § 4B ("Upon all ways the driver of a vehicle shall drive in the lane nearest the right side of the way when such lane is available for travel, except when overtaking another vehicle or when preparing for a left turn.”

Commonwealth v. Brown, 989 N.E.2d 915 (Mass. App. Ct. 2013). “90, § 24(1)(a)(1); G. L. c. 89, § 4B. The sole issue raised on appeal is the judge’s denial of the defendant’s pretrial motion in limine to exclude certain testimony by the investigating police officer about statements made by the defendant while he was attempting to perform the…”

Commonwealth v. Thomas, 886 N.E.2d 684 (Mass. 2008). “90, § 17; and failure to operate in the right travel lane, G. L. c. 89, § 4B. The defendant Michael J.”

Commonwealth v. Jarvis, 863 N.E.2d 567 (Mass. App. Ct. 2007). “He was found responsible for civil motor vehicle infractions under G. L. c. 89, § 4B, and G. L. c. 90, § 17.”

Commonwealth v. Hastings, 756 N.E.2d 1188 (Mass. App. Ct. 2001). “90, § 24), failure to drive in the right hand lane (G. L. c. 89, § 4B), and leaving the scene of a property-damage accident (G.”

Biagini v. Gelco, 30 Mass. App. Dec. 212 (Mass. Dist. Ct., App. Div. 1966). “The plaintiff takes the position (a) that the defendant was negligent in that he violated the provisions of G.L.c. 89, § 4B and also (b) that he passed too close to the plaintiff’s vehicle.”

Commonwealth v. Nunez, 3 Mass. L. Rptr. 376 (Mass. Super. Ct. 1995). “DISCUSSION Having observed the van being operated in a manner prohibited by G.L.c. 89, §4B (“ . . . the driver . . . shall drive in the lane nearest the right side of the way except [in circumstances not pertinent here]”), Trooper Skelly was warranted in signalling to the…”

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