Is It Illegal to Pass on the Right in Arizona?

My friend and I were traveling on I-10 the other day, returning from a shopping trip. The setting sun seemed to make all the drivers on the road sleepy, because everyone appeared to be driving under the speed limit. Way under.

I was stuck behind a particularly pokey driver in a little sedan who was parked in the left "fast lane". As the driver's speed fell even more, I considered passing the little car, when suddenly a Ford truck swerved around and passed us on the right.

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I suddenly reached into the back of my brain, trying to visualize the page from driver's ed class that discussed the legality of passing a vehicle on the right. The dusty, cobwebby memory wasn't much help.

Something told me it was illegal - but maybe under certain circumstances, or maybe not? The crumbling memory wasn't much help, so I decided to dive into this question for a more solid answer.

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Is It Legal to Pass a Vehicle on the Right in Arizona?

It turns out I was wrong—and also right. Arizona law does allow passing on the right, but only under specific conditions. Here's how ARS 28-724 breaks it down:

When It's Legal to Pass on the Right

• The vehicle you're passing is making or about to make a left turn.
• You're on a multi-lane road with unobstructed pavement wide enough for two or more lanes of traffic in each direction.
• You're on a one-way street with enough room for multiple lanes.

Important: If you're passing a vehicle, you must stay on the pavement. Passing on the shoulder or driving off-road to pass is illegal.

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Why It's Risky to Pass a Vehicle on the Right

Even when it's legal, passing on the right can be dangerous. Here's why:

• Vehicle blind spots: A driver may not expect a vehicle on their right, especially if they're preparing to turn or merge. If you're in their blind spot, they may not see you.
• Merging traffic: The right lane is often congested with vehicles entering or exiting, which can increase the risk of a collision.
• Speed variances: If you're passing quickly while others are slowing down or turning the corner, a driver's reaction time shrinks, and this could put you both in danger.

 Can You Get a Ticket for Passing a Vehicle on the Right in Arizona?

There are times when, while passing on the right side of another vehicle, you could get a ticket. If you pass unsafely or leave the pavement, as we discussed above, you could be cited. According to Arizona law, you can only pass on the right “under conditions permitting the movement in safety.”

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What If the Left Lane Driver Is Going Too Slow?

There are laws against "camping in the left lane," and slow drivers who fail to move over may be ticketed. Arizona law already requires slower traffic to keep right, and legislation has been proposed to make this enforcement policy even stricter.

• A proposed bill (HB 2235) would fine drivers $500 for lingering in the left lane at speeds below the flow of traffic.
• The goal is to reduce congestion and prevent risky right-lane passing caused by “left lane campers.”

Sources: Arizona Revised Statutes | Arizona Law Journal | Legal Clarity