Oregon Revised Statutes

Or. Rev. Stat. § 811.380 (2026)

Improper use of center lane on three-lane road; penalty

✓ current as of May 2026
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      811.380 Improper use of center lane on three-lane road; penalty. (1) A person commits the offense of improper use of the center lane on a three-lane road if the person is operating a vehicle upon a roadway divided into three clearly marked lanes for traffic with two-way movement of traffic permitted on the roadway and the person operates the vehicle in the center lane under any circumstances other than as permitted under the following:

      (a) The driver may drive in the center lane when the center lane is allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the driver is proceeding by a traffic control device directing the lane allocation.

      (b) The driver may drive in the center lane when the driver is overtaking and passing a vehicle proceeding in the same direction and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance.

      (c) The driver may drive in the center lane when making a left turn.

      (2) The offense described in this section, improper use of center lane on three-lane road, is a Class B traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §632]

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 3 cases, 1990–2011 · leading case: Lavey v. Kroger, 258 P.3d 1194 (Or. 2011).
Lavey v. Kroger, 258 P.3d 1194 (Or. 2011). ““(1) Improper use of the center lane on three-lane road under ORS 811.380. “(m) Operation of a motor vehicle on a bicycle trail under ORS 811.”
State v. Thomas, 799 P.2d 208 (Or. Ct. App. 1990). “370(1) (duty to drive within lane applies only to roadways divided into “two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic” (emphasis supplied)); and ORS 811.380(1) (duty to avoid improper use of center lane applies only to roadways “divided into three clearly marked lanes for…”
State v. Mealer, 879 P.2d 230 (Or. Ct. App. 1994). ““(c) When an obstruction or condition exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the roadway, provided that a driver doing so shall yield the right of way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the roadway within…”
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 811.380(1) — 1 case
State v. Thomas, 799 P.2d 208 (Or. Ct. App. 1990). “370(1) (duty to drive within lane applies only to roadways divided into “two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic” (emphasis supplied)); and ORS 811.380(1) (duty to avoid improper use of center lane applies only to roadways “divided into three clearly marked lanes for…”
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