Staying In Your Lane
Md. Code, Transp. § 21-309 — as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane, and the two way left turn lane
Within a single lane. On a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes, a vehicle is driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane, and may not be moved from it, or from a shoulder or bikeway into a lane, until the driver has determined that it is safe to do so.
The standard the section writes is as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane, with any move out of the lane waiting until it can be made safely. How courts apply those words to a brief touch of a line is not on this page.
The center lane of three. On a roadway divided into three lanes with two way traffic, a vehicle is not driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing with the center lane clear for a safe distance, when preparing for a left turn, or where the center lane is allocated to the vehicle's direction by official traffic control devices.
The two way left turn lane. Where a two way left turn lane is provided, vehicles enter it only when preparing for or making a left turn or a U-turn, and only if it is clear of an opposing movement. A vehicle is driven in it the shortest distance practicable, and left turns there are made only from within it.
Whether a particular drift over a line was a violation, or a reason for a stop, depends on the facts and on how the courts read the words as nearly as practicable, and is a question for a licensed Maryland attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 21-309 — Driving on laned roadways
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.