(a) Rules generally. The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to the limitations and exceptions hereinafter stated:

    (1)    An operator or driver overtaking and desiring to pass a vehicle or cycle shall sound the horn before starting to pass, except in such places where prohibited by ordinance.

    (2)    The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle or cycle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.

    (3)    Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle or cycle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

    (4)    Except when a roadway has been divided into three (3) traffic lanes, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the centerline of a highway or public road in overtaking and passing other vehicles or cycles proceeding in the same direction, unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interference with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle or cycle overtaken.

    (b) When permitted. The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

    (1)    When the vehicle or cycle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn.

    (2)    Upon a street with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two (2) or more lines of traffic in each direction.

    (3)    Upon a one-way street.

        The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under the foregoing conditions when such movement may be made in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off of the paved or main-traveled portion of the roadway.

    The provisions of this subsection shall not relieve the driver of a slow moving vehicle from the duty to drive as closely as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway.

(Code 1964, § 12.294(F), (G); Ord. No. 9759, § 1, 3-21-83)