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Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Keep Right Except to Pass and Slower Traffic Keep Right Signs
Keep right signs tell slower drivers where to be and keep the left lane open for passing. Here is what each passing and keep right sign means under the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), plus what the Indiana Driver's Manual says about using the left lane.
R4-16KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS sign
R4-3SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT sign
2lanes in one direction where the R4-16 may be used
R4-9STAY IN LANE sign, which should come with solid double white lines
The short answer
A KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS sign means you stay in the right-hand lane and use the left lane only to pass. SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT means slower drivers belong in the right lane, and TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE does the same for trucks. The Indiana Driver's Manual gives the same advice for highways: slower vehicles should use the right lane, and the left-hand lane is for faster-moving or passing vehicles.
Keep right and passing signs
These are regulatory signs in the MUTCD, the federal standard for signs, signals and markings. Regulatory signs tell road users about selected traffic laws or regulations. They are rectangular unless the MUTCD says otherwise, and in its color code black and white both mean regulation. For other sign colors and shapes, see our guide to road sign shapes and colors.
| Sign | What it means | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|
| KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS (R4-16) | Stay in the right-hand lane except when passing another vehicle | Roadways with two lanes in one direction |
| SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT (R4-3) | Slower vehicles should use the right lane | Multi-lane through roadways |
| TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE (R4-5) | Trucks should use the right lane; may supplement the R4-3 | Multi-lane through roadways |
| STAY IN LANE (R4-9) | Stay in your lane until conditions permit a lane change | Multi-lane highways; it should be accompanied by solid double white lane lines |
| DO NOT PASS ON SHOULDER (R4-18) | Using the shoulder to pass other vehicles is prohibited | Where posted |
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 1D.05, 2B.01, 2B.02, 2B.38, 2B.40 and 2B.43 and Figure 2B-10, read November 9, 2026.
Where you will see them
- KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS: if used, it should be installed at or just beyond the beginning of a two-lane section of roadway, and at selected locations along two-lane roadways where additional emphasis is needed.
- SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT and TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE: if used, they should be installed at or just beyond the beginning of a multi-lane section, or at the beginning of an extra lane provided for trucks and other slow-moving traffic, and at selected locations where some drivers tend to drive in the left-hand lane or lanes below the normal speed of traffic.
- Interchanges: the MUTCD says the SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT and TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE signs should not be used on the approach to an interchange, through an interchange area where traffic is entering or exiting, or along deceleration or acceleration lanes.
- Extra truck lanes: where an extra lane is provided for trucks and other slow-moving traffic, a Lane Ends sign should be installed in advance of the point where it ends. See our guide to how to merge onto a highway.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2B.38, read November 9, 2026.
What the Indiana Driver's Manual says
In its section on changing lanes and passing other vehicles, the Indiana Driver's Manual says:
- Right lane for slower traffic: on the highway, slower vehicles should use the right lane. Leave the left-hand lane for faster-moving or passing vehicles.
- One lane at a time: change only one lane at a time. When changing lanes to prepare for a turn, you must give a proper signal before turning or changing lanes. Do not weave in and out of lanes.
- Before you change lanes: make sure there is no traffic ahead of you in the lane you want to enter, check your mirrors for vehicles preparing to pass you, briefly turn your head to check your blind spot, and use your turn signal.
- When passing: move into the passing lane, accelerate, and keep moving forward until you can see the vehicle you are passing in your rearview mirror, then signal before returning to your original lane.
For posted limits, see Indiana speed limits, and for stopped emergency vehicles, see the Indiana Move Over Law.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (Changing Lanes and Passing Other Vehicles, page 37), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (PDF modified June 30, 2026), read November 9, 2026. This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice.
Related passing signs
- DO NOT PASS (R4-1): may be used in addition to pavement markings to emphasize the restriction on passing, at the start of and at intervals within a zone where sight distance is restricted or other conditions make passing inappropriate.
- PASS WITH CARE (R4-2): should be installed at the downstream end of a no-passing zone if a Do Not Pass sign was installed at the upstream end. For the yellow pennant and the lines that mark these zones, see our guide to no passing zone signs.
- Slow vehicle turn-outs (R4-12, R4-13, R4-14): on two-lane highways where passing is difficult, a turn-out area is sometimes provided so a group of faster vehicles can pass a slow-moving vehicle. The R4-12 sign reads SLOW VEHICLES WITH XX OR MORE FOLLOWING VEHICLES MUST USE TURN-OUT and may be installed ahead of a turn-out to tell drivers who have built up that many following vehicles that State traffic law requires them to use the turn-out; if it is installed, a SLOW VEHICLES MUST TURN OUT (R4-14) sign with an arrow is required at the entry point of the turn-out.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2B.36, 2B.37 and 2B.42, read November 9, 2026.
Using the left lane well
Our advice: on the interstate or any multi-lane highway, pass with purpose and then signal and move back right once you are safely clear. If a faster vehicle comes up behind you in the left lane, finish your pass and move over rather than speeding up to hold the lane. When you are towing a trailer or driving a loaded truck, plan passes early, because it takes longer to get past and back into the right lane.
Paragraphs marked as our advice are our own guidance, not MUTCD or statute text.
Keep your vehicle ready for the road
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 9, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Keep right except to pass FAQ
What does KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS mean?
It is the R4-16 regulatory sign. It may be used where a roadway has two lanes in one direction to direct drivers to stay in the right-hand lane except when they are passing another vehicle. If used, it should be installed at or just beyond the start of the two-lane section and at selected spots where more emphasis is needed.
What is the difference between KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS and SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT?
KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS (R4-16) is for roadways with two lanes in one direction and tells every driver to use the right lane except to pass. SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT (R4-3) is for multi-lane through roadways and is aimed at slower vehicles that hold up the normal flow of traffic in the left lane or lanes.
What does TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE mean?
The R4-5 sign may be used on multi-lane through roadways to reduce unnecessary lane changing caused by slower vehicles. It may also be used as a supplement to the SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT sign.
What does a STAY IN LANE sign mean?
The R4-9 sign may be used on multi-lane highways to tell drivers to stay in their lane until conditions permit shifting to another lane. If it is used, the MUTCD says it should be accompanied by a solid double white lane line or lines that prohibit lane changing.
What does the Indiana Driver's Manual say about the left lane?
In its section on changing lanes and passing, the Indiana Driver's Manual says that on the highway, slower vehicles should use the right lane, and to leave the left-hand lane for faster-moving or passing vehicles. It also says to change only one lane at a time and to signal before changing lanes.
What do DO NOT PASS and PASS WITH CARE signs mean?
The DO NOT PASS (R4-1) sign may be used in addition to pavement markings to emphasize that passing is restricted. A PASS WITH CARE (R4-2) sign should be installed at the downstream end of a no-passing zone if a Do Not Pass sign was installed at the upstream end.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Sign details are from the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition with Revision 1 (Revision 1 dated December 2025), read November 9, 2026. Lane-use and passing advice is from the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), read the same day. This page is a plain-language summary of national standards and state guidance, not legal advice; state law sets the rules of the road where you drive. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, Changing Lanes and Passing Other Vehicles, page 37, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified June 30, 2026, read November 9, 2026
- Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1 (Sections 1D.05, 2B.01, 2B.02, 2B.36, 2B.37, 2B.38, 2B.40, 2B.42 and 2B.43, Figure 2B-10), Federal Highway Administration, Revision 1 dated December 2025 (PDF last modified March 4, 2026), read November 9, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 9, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 9, 2026