OVERTAKING AND PASSING

Kansas City Code ch. 70, art. IV, div. 5

in effect

Kansas City Code § 70-391 Driving on right side of roadway.

Sec. 70-391. - Driving on right side of roadway. (a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows: (1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement; (2) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the street or highway, provided any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the street or highway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard; (3) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or (4) Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic. (b) Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the righthand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the righthand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. (c) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the centerline of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under subsection (a)(2) of this section. However, this subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the centerline in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway. (Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 34.53; Ord. No. 41525, 10-20-72; Ord. No. 56381, 8-16-84)

Kansas City Code § 70-392 Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite direction.

Sec. 70-392. - Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite direction. Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right; and, upon roadways having width for not more than one lane of traffic in each direction, each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main-traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible. (Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 34.54; Ord. No. 41525, 10-20-72; Ord. No. 56381, 8-16-84)

Kansas City Code § 70-393 Overtaking vehicle on left generally.

Sec. 70-393. - Overtaking vehicle on left generally. The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions and special rules stated in this division: (1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle 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. (2) 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 and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. (Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 34.55; Ord. No. 41525, 10-20-72; Ord. No. 56381, 8-16-84)

Kansas City Code § 70-394 Overtaking vehicle on right.

Sec. 70-394. - Overtaking vehicle on right. (a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions: (1) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn. (2) Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle. (b) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway. (Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 34.56; Ord. No. 41525, 10-20-72; Ord. No. 56381, 8-16-84)

Kansas City Code § 70-395 Limitations on overtaking vehicles on left.

Sec. 70-395. - Limitations on overtaking vehicles on left. No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle 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 interfering with the operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and, if the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle. (Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 34.57; Ord. No. 41525, 10-20-72; Ord. No. 56381, 8-16-84)

Kansas City Code § 70-396 Driving on left of center of roadway prohibited under certain conditions.

Sec. 70-396. - Driving on left of center of roadway prohibited under certain conditions. (a) No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the roadway under the following conditions: (1) When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the street or highway where the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard if another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction. (2) When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing, unless otherwise indicated by official traffic control devices. (3) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel. (b) The limitations in subsection (a) of this section shall not apply upon a one-way roadway, or under the conditions described in section 70-391(a)(2), or to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway. (Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 34.58; Ord. No. 41525, 10-20-72; Ord. No. 56381, 8-16-84)

Kansas City Code § 70-397 No passing zones.

Sec. 70-397. - No passing zones. (a) The state highways and transportation commission and director are hereby authorized to determine those portions of any street or highway under their respective jurisdictions where overtaking and passing or driving on the left side of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may, by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway, indicate the beginning and end of such zones. When such signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person, every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof. (b) Where signs or markings are in place to define a no passing zone as set forth in subsection (a) of this section, no driver shall at any time drive on the left side of the roadway within such no passing zone or on the left side of any pavement stripping designed to mark such no passing zone through its length. (c) This section does not apply under the conditions described in section 70-391(a)(2), or to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway. (Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 34.59; Ord. No. 41525, 10-20-72; Ord. No. 56381, 8-16-84; Ord. No. 64308, 7-6-89)

Kansas City Code § 70-398 Driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Sec. 70-398. - Driving on roadways laned for traffic. Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules, in addition to all others consistent with this article, shall apply: (1) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety. (2) Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction when such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for making or completing a left turn, or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle is proceeding and such allocation is designated by official traffic control devices. (3) Official traffic control devices may be erected directing specified traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device. (4) Official traffic control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device. (Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 34.60; Ord. No. 41525, 10-20-72; Ord. No. 56381, 8-16-84)

Kansas City Code § 70-399 Following too closely.

Sec. 70-399. - Following too closely. (a) The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the street or highway. (b) The driver of any truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any vehicle or combination of vehicles. (c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade, whether or not towing other vehicles, shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This subsection shall not apply to funeral processions. (Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 34.61; Ord. No. 41525, 10-20-72; Ord. No. 56381, 8-16-84)

Kansas City Code § 70-400 Driving on divided streets or highways.

Sec. 70-400. - Driving on divided streets or highways. (a) Whenever any street or highway has been divided into two or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the righthand roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic control devices or police officers. (b) No vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such dividing space, barrier or section, except through an opening in such physical barrier or dividing section or space or at a crossover or intersection as established, unless specifically prohibited by public authority. (c) The driver of a vehicle may turn left across a paved dividing space unless prohibited by an official traffic control device. (Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 34.62; Ord. No. 41525, 10-20-72; Ord. No. 56381, 8-16-84)

Kansas City Code § 70-401 Entering or leaving controlled access roadway.

Sec. 70-401. - Entering or leaving controlled access roadway. No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled access roadway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority. (Code of Gen. Ords. 1967, § 34.63; Ord. No. 41525, 10-20-72; Ord. No. 56381, 8-16-84)

Kansas City Code § 70-402 Approaching stationary emergency vehicles.

Sec. 70-402. - Approaching stationary emergency vehicles. (a) Duty to approach emergency vehicles with caution. Upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying lighted red or red and blue lights, the driver of every motor vehicle shall: (1) Lane change. Proceed with caution and yield the right-of-way, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the stationary vehicle, if on a roadway having at least four lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or (2) Reduce speed. Proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be unsafe or impossible. (b) Penalty. Upon conviction, a person shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100.00. (Ord. No. 060118, § 1, 2-2-06; Ord. No. 160589, § 2, 8-18-16)

Source: City of Kansas City, Missouri, Code of Ordinances, Charter and Zoning and Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mo/kansas_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORKAMIVOII_CH70TRVE_ARTIVOP_DIV5OVPAFetched: 10/28/2026