Driving Lane Use and Selection

Divided Highways: Features a physical barrier separating traffic moving in opposite directions, enhancing safety.
Laned Roadways: Defined by at least two clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, separated by double or single yellow lines, which can be broken or unbroken.
Three-Laned Highways: Consist of three lanes moving in the same direction; the left is the "number one lane" (fast lane), while the right lanes are termed as number two and three.

Choosing a Lane: Opt for the lane with the best traffic flow; typically, the middle lane is optimal for smooth driving. Use the left lane for passing or turning quickly, and the right lane when traveling slowly or preparing to exit.
HOV Lanes: High-occupancy vehicle lanes designated for cars with two or more passengers, effectively promoting carpooling.
Marked Lanes: Position your vehicle centrally within marked lanes to ensure safe travel and clear visibility.

Narrow Roadways: Keep vehicles positioned far right and reduce speed to navigate safely without hazards.
Mountain Roadways: Drive to the far right, use headlights in low visibility, and honk on curves for safety.

Other Vehicles Approaching: When encountering oncoming traffic or a vehicle passing, adjust your position to the far right of your lane.
Passing Vehicles: Expect to temporarily cross into the opposing traffic lane on multi-lane highways; extreme caution is essential.

Exceptions to Right Side Driving:
- Turning left at intersections or private roads.
- When the right side of the road is blocked.
- On one-way roads.
- In narrow road conditions.
- Adverse weather conditions or road markings requiring a lane change.
Left Lanes: Utilized for making left turns from highways, promoting traffic flow and reducing collisions. Turn-Out lanes on narrow roads allow slower vehicles to let faster traffic pass safely.

Slow-Moving Vehicles: Must utilize the right-hand lane unless overtaking or passing another vehicle in the same direction.
Left Turns: Employ designated left turn lanes at intersections to ensure orderly traffic flow.
Use Turn-Outs: Vehicles traveling slower than the normal speed and having five or more vehicles behind them are required to use turn-outs to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
Special Vehicles: Large trucks on 3 and 4-way highways in California are restricted to the two rightmost lanes for safety and to minimize disruptions.
Left Lane Usage: Typically moving faster than the right lane; vehicles traveling slower than normal speed should remain in the right lane to maintain safety.