Is it lawful to drive off the paved part of the road or use the shoulder to pass another vehicle?

Is it lawful to drive off the paved part of the road or use the shoulder to pass another vehicle?

• A. No, it is against the law to drive off the paved part of the road or use the shoulder to pass.
• B. Yes, it is legal to pass on the shoulder in certain situations.
• C. Only if there is no oncoming traffic.
• D. It is permitted when the vehicle being passed is moving slowly.

Answer: (A)

Passing should be done within the roadway itself, not by leaving the paved surface. The shoulder is reserved for emergencies, breakdowns, or stopping, not for overtaking other vehicles. In Oregon, you must pass in a designated lane or the leftmost portion of a multi-lane road where it’s legal and safe; using the shoulder to slip past a slower vehicle is illegal and risky. If you’re behind someone moving slowly, maintain a safe following distance, look for a safe passing zone, signal your intention, ensure there’s no oncoming traffic, complete the pass quickly, and return to your lane. Driving off the road or onto the shoulder to pass can surprise other drivers and factors like loose gravel or soft shoulders can cause a loss of control.

Passing should be done within the roadway itself, not by leaving the paved surface. The shoulder is reserved for emergencies, breakdowns, or stopping, not for overtaking other vehicles. In Oregon, you must pass in a designated lane or the leftmost portion of a multi-lane road where it’s legal and safe; using the shoulder to slip past a slower vehicle is illegal and risky. If you’re behind someone moving slowly, maintain a safe following distance, look for a safe passing zone, signal your intention, ensure there’s no oncoming traffic, complete the pass quickly, and return to your lane. Driving off the road or onto the shoulder to pass can surprise other drivers and factors like loose gravel or soft shoulders can cause a loss of control.