Pennsylvania's keep-right rules are primarily found in 75 Pa.C.S. §§3301 and 3313.
Under §3301, a vehicle traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time, place and existing conditions generally must be driven in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
This slower-traffic rule does not apply when the driver is overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction, preparing for a left turn, or when the driver's intended route requires the use of another lane.
Pennsylvania also has a separate rule for limited-access highways. On highways with two or more lanes moving in the same direction, vehicles generally must use the right-hand lanes when those lanes are available.
Drivers may use another lane when overtaking and passing, when traveling faster than the traffic flow, when moving left to allow traffic to merge, or when preparing for a lawful left turn at an intersection, exit, private road or driveway.
Vehicles or combinations weighing more than 10,000 pounds are subject to additional restrictions on limited-access highways with three or more lanes in the same direction and generally may not use the left-hand lane except when preparing for a permitted left turn.
Exceptions
- Overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction.
- Preparing for a lawful left turn.
- Using another lane when necessary to continue along the driver's intended route.
- Moving left on a limited-access highway to allow traffic to merge.
- Traveling faster than the existing traffic flow on a limited-access highway.
- Following official traffic-control devices that direct traffic into another lane.
Penalties
Violations of Pennsylvania's keep-right or lane-use rules are traffic offenses. The total amount due can include the statutory fine, court costs and other assessments depending on the specific violation and how the citation is resolved.
Drivers should use the amount shown on the citation or verify the balance through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's PAePay service.
Official Source
75 Pa.C.S. §§3301 and 3313 - Driving on Right Side of Roadway and Limited Access Highway Lane Use
Last verified: October 10, 2026