P.R. Laws tit. 9, § 5153

2019-02-20 00:00:00+00
§ 5153. Overtaking and passing on the left

Any motor vehicle traveling on a public road and overtakes another motor vehicle may pass said vehicle on the left thereof.

In every case the overtaking vehicle shall observe the following rules:

(a) It shall not pass the overtaken vehicle at an intersection or one hundred (100) feet ahead of it, or if such maneuver is prohibited by specific signals or any other provisions of this chapter and its regulations.

(b) It shall not pass the overtaken vehicle if in order to do so it would be necessary to cross to the left half of the roadway on a grade or curve if there is no visibility for a reasonable length or if the left half of the roadway is in any way obstructed or when the circumstances of the traffic may lead the driver to suppose that the overtaken vehicle will cross to the left half of the roadway.

(c) It shall not pass the overtaken vehicle unless it is possible to keep a reasonable distance in so doing or to pass said vehicle so that it is able to return without danger of collision to the right half of the roadway.

No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the center of the roadway when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction, unless said left-hand side may be clearly seen and there is reasonable distance ahead along an open highway which permits making the maneuver without interfering with the movement of another vehicle approaching in an opposite direction or with any overtaken vehicle. In every case, the overtaking vehicle shall return to an authorized lane as soon as possible and in case the maneuver for passing requires the use of an authorized lane for vehicles approaching in an opposite direction, it shall return to the authorized lane before the distance between it and the approaching vehicle is less than two hundred (200) feet.

The preceding limitations shall not apply on one-way roadways, neither under the conditions described in subsection (b) of § 5154 of this title, nor to the driver of a vehicle making a left to or from an alley, private road or driveway.

Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall incur an administrative fault and shall be punished with a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25).

History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 6.03, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.