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Explained that way I understand the logic. Thanks for educating me today

dicion wrote:

AFCop wrote: As for center lane travel, what do you think about this:
Sec. 545.060. DRIVING ON ROADWAY LANED FOR TRAFFIC. (a) An operator on a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic:
(b) If a roadway is divided into three lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, an operator on the roadway may not drive in the center lane except:
(1) if passing another vehicle and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance;
(2) in preparing to make a left turn; or
(3) where the center lane is designated by an official traffic-control device for movement in the direction in which the operator is moving.

That's what I was referring to.
According to Texas law, there are only 3 circumstances in which you can enter a center lane.
1) To pass (But only if you aren't crossing a solid yellow line to do so, that would be a violation of the sections above (and yes, there are center lanes out there with dashed lines on both sides)).
2) To turn left
3) As directed by signs/cones/etc for traffic control.

Merging right, accelerating, pulling out to stop and wait for an opening, etc is nowhere mentioned in there, so it is not permitted
As mentioned above, this is specifically mentioned in the Defensive Driving Classes given, and it is enforced, lots of people get tickets for this all the time.

I find it funny I can enter that lane to pass somone (as long as its clear) but I cant turn into that lane to merge into proper lane.... both require similar processes (clearing lane and mergng into proper lane) but one is obviously not allowed. Which is what I thought was interesting.

dicion wrote:Look through section 545 of the Texas Transportation Code.
It's got all sorts of fun little Gotchas that most people don't know about.

Don't know about this one specifically, but my favorite is 545.060(b), which basically says you can't pull into a Center lane on a road from a side street/driveway to merge into traffic to the right.
I see people doing it alllll day every day ;)

Sec. 545.051. DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY. (a) An operator on a roadway of sufficient width shall drive on the right half of the roadway, unless:

(c) An operator on a roadway having four or more lanes for moving vehicles and providing for two-way movement of vehicles may not drive left of the center line of the roadway except:
(1) as authorized by an official traffic-control device designating a specified lane to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by a vehicle not otherwise permitted to use the lane;
(2) under the conditions described by Subsection (a)(2); or
(3) in crossing the center line to make a left turn into or out of an alley, private road, or driveway.

Sec. 545.055. PASSING TO THE LEFT: PASSING ZONES. (a) An operator shall obey the directions of a sign or marking in Subsection (c) or (d) if the sign or marking is in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person.
(b) An operator may not drive on the left side of the roadway in a no-passing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark a no-passing zone. This subsection does not prohibit a driver from crossing pavement striping, or the center line in a no-passing zone marked by signs only, to make a left turn into or out of an alley or private road or driveway.

Sec. 545.060. DRIVING ON ROADWAY LANED FOR TRAFFIC.
(b) If a roadway is divided into three lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, an operator on the roadway may not drive in the center lane except:
(1) if passing another vehicle and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance;
(2) in preparing to make a left turn; or
(3) where the center lane is designated by an official traffic-control device for movement in the direction in which the operator is moving.

This is everything I could find in 545 pertaining to turning left. Nothing indicates crossing a double yellow as illegal.

Additionally, found this too


As for center lane travel, what do you think about this:
Sec. 545.060. DRIVING ON ROADWAY LANED FOR TRAFFIC. (a) An operator on a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic:
(b) If a roadway is divided into three lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, an operator on the roadway may not drive in the center lane except:
(1) if passing another vehicle and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance;
(2) in preparing to make a left turn; or
(3) where the center lane is designated by an official traffic-control device for movement in the direction in which the operator is moving.

wait a minute, how is turning across double yellow lines illegal.... Does there have to be a break in the lines. I was under the impression double yellow meant no passing in either direction. If this is illegal i learned something new today as I never ever even remember reading that was illegal. Someone with the answer please provide link..... Now if he drove over a center divider or median, that would be different but a double yellow line, seriously!!!