Driving on the wrong side of the road in Georgia is a crime, even when a road does not have marked opposing lanes of traffic. There are a few specific exceptions to Georgia’s driving on the wrong side of the road laws. Our lawyers explain the traffic laws about driving on the wrong side of the road.
Our Atlanta car accident lawyers have recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Don’t let a driver on the wrong side of the road get away with the motor vehicle accident they caused. Instead of paying out of pocket for your damages, hold the negligent driver accountable and get the compensation you deserve.
Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road is Dangerous and Negligent
Driving on the wrong side of the road is dangerous and puts the driver and other road users at risk. The dangers of this behavior are numerous and can lead to devastating consequences.
Increased Likelihood of Collisions
One of the primary dangers of driving on the wrong side of the road is the increased likelihood of a head-on collision. When a driver travels in the opposite direction of traffic, there is a higher chance of colliding with oncoming vehicles. Head-on collisions are particularly dangerous and often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Creates Confusion
Another danger of reckless driving on the wrong side is the confusion it causes for other drivers. When drivers expect to see vehicles traveling in the correct direction, encountering a vehicle on the wrong side can lead to confusion and erratic driving behavior. This can create a chain reaction of accidents as drivers try to react and avoid collisions.
Impairing Visibility
Also, driving on the wrong side of the road can impair the driver’s visibility. In many countries, road infrastructure is designed with specific visibility parameters in mind, including the location of traffic signs, intersections, and road markings. By driving on the wrong side, drivers may have impaired visibility, making it harder to anticipate potential hazards and respond promptly.
Why Do People Drive on the Wrong Side of the Road?
There are various reasons why people may drive on the wrong side of the road, despite it being illegal and dangerous. One common reason is unfamiliarity with local traffic rules and regulations. When traveling in a foreign country or an area with different driving norms, drivers may inadvertently find themselves on the wrong roadside due to confusion or a lack of understanding of local traffic patterns.
- Distracted driving: With the rise of smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers may become preoccupied with texting, talking on the phone, or using GPS navigation systems. Distracted driving can cause them to cross over into oncoming traffic inadvertently.
- Driving under the influence: Impairment due to alcohol or drugs is also a significant factor. Driving under the influence impairs judgment and coordination, making it more likely for individuals to veer into the wrong lane. This puts the impaired driver at risk and endangers others on the road.
- Intentional reckless driving: Drivers may intentionally drive on the wrong side of a divided highway or road to avoid traffic congestion or road closures. They may take a shortcut by driving against traffic flow, unaware of the severe risks and consequences they expose themselves and others to.
Penalties for Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road
Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 40-6-40, all vehicles are to drive on the right side of the roadway. If a driver violates this law, their actions are illegal. The penalties for traveling on the wrong side of the road in Georgia depend on each situation.
Fines
If a driver turns onto a road, immediately realizes their mistake, and fixes it, an officer might decide to either give a warning or a ticket for the traffic violation. Fines for driving the wrong way on a one-way road offense typically range between $150 to 325, but that can vary based on the area where you were stopped and whether or not other offenses were involved. The law for driving on a one-way road can be found under OCGA § 40-6-47(b).
For example, if someone were on the wrong side of a divided highway because they were under the influence of alcohol, they would face much higher penalties than the wrong-side violation.
If there was no clear sign showing a road was one-way, or the driver had another legitimate reason for being on the wrong side of the road, they might be able to dispute the fine.
Points on Driving Record
If a driver is convicted of driving the wrong way on a one-way road, they would receive three points on their driving record. The driver can also expect their insurance rates to increase after this offense. They may be able to complete a traffic safety school for a willful violation reduction if they have not already done so within the last five years.
Exceptions to Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road Laws in Georgia
Georgia law gives a few exceptions for its “driving on the right side of the road” law. A driver can move into the left lane of traffic when:
- Overtaking or passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction (and under the rules of passing)
- There is an obstruction that forces them to drive to the left of the center of the divided highway (as long as they yield to vehicles traveling in the proper direction)
- On a roadway with three marked lanes of traffic
- On a one-way road
- Preparing for a left turn at an intersection or onto a private driveway or roadway
- Official traffic-control devices have designated specific lanes to the left of the center of the road on a roadway with four or more lanes of traffic and two-way movement
Any situation that doesn’t follow the list of exceptions above would be a negligent maneuver. Thus, any accident caused by a driver on the wrong side of the road without a legitimate reason under the law would be liable for any damages.
Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road is Good Evidence for Your Claim
If your accident was caused by a driver on the wrong side of the road, you can use that as strong evidence when you file a claim. Willfully breaking traffic laws is enough to convince the insurance company to settle in your favor. Despite this, you still need to show fault, so gathering as much evidence for your claim is also necessary. For that, you’ll need the assistance of a lawyer.
Talk to a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Traveling on the wrong side of the road in Georgia can lead to disastrous consequences, such as deadly head-on collisions. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of someone not following the laws of the road, John Foy & Associates can help. We have 20-plus years of experience helping motor vehicle accident victims win the compensation they deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us and speak to one of our Georgia car accident lawyers today.