Lane positions — Rhode Island Permit Test

Rhode Island describes 3 lane positions within a single lane of travel.

A driver who knows only the center of the lane has no way to make room when a hazard appears on one side.

You have three (3) different lane positions within a single lane of travel by which you can position your vehicle.

Lane position 1 is the middle of the lane, the safest place to drive when there are no hazards on either side.

Hugging one line for no reason leaves less room for the hazard that does show up on that side.

Lane position 1: Vehicle in the middle of the lane.

Use lane position 2, toward the left line, when hazards are on the right of your vehicle or you intend to turn left.

Staying centered next to a row of parked cars leaves no room when a door swings open.

This is the position to drive if hazards exist to the right of the vehicle or you intend to turn left.

Lane position 3 places the vehicle 3 to 6 inches from the right line or curb, and is used when hazards are on the left or you intend to turn right.

Drifting too far right puts tires on the curb, and too little leaves room for a car to slip inside your turn.

Lane position 3: Vehicle positions three (3) to six (6) inches from the right line or curb of the lane.

How many lane positions within a single lane does Rhode Island describe?

3 positions. A driver who knows only the center of the lane has no way to make room when a hazard appears on one side. Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, p.51: “You have three (3) different lane positions within a single lane of travel by which you can position your vehicle.”