Position of vehicles on the carriageway

The number of lanes for non-rail vehicles is determined by markings and/or signs 5.15.1 “Lane directions”, 5.15.2 “Lane direction”, 5.15.7 “Lane directions” and 5.15.8 “Number of lanes”; if there are none, drivers determine it themselves, taking into account the width of the carriageway, the dimensions of vehicles and the necessary side clearance between them.

On two-way roads without markings, the left half of the carriageway width is considered the side for oncoming traffic, not counting widenings of the carriageway (acceleration and deceleration lanes, widened areas for public transport stops, etc.).

On two-way roads with four or more lanes, it is prohibited to drive onto the side of the road intended for oncoming traffic.

On marked two-way roads with three lanes (except marking 1.9), the middle of which is used for traffic in both directions, drivers may enter this lane only to overtake, pass an obstacle, turn left or make a U-turn. Entering the leftmost lane, which is intended only for oncoming traffic, is prohibited.

Outside built-up areas, and in built-up areas on roads marked with signs 5.1 “Motorway” or 5.3 “Road for motor vehicles” or where speeds above 80 km/h are permitted, drivers must keep as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway. In these cases it is prohibited to occupy the left lanes when the right lanes are free.

In built-up areas, taking into account Article 24(8) of the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Ensuring Road Traffic Safety” and clauses 55, 57–58 and 116 of the Rules, drivers may use whichever lane is convenient for them. In heavy traffic, when all lanes are occupied, changing lanes is permitted only to turn left or right, make a U-turn, pass an obstacle or stop.

On all roads with three or more lanes in the same direction, the leftmost lane may be used only in heavy traffic when the other lanes are occupied, and to overtake, turn left or make a U-turn; lorries with a maximum permitted weight of more than 3.5 t and vehicles providing scheduled passenger services may use it only to turn left or make a U-turn. On one-way roads, moving into the leftmost lane to stop or park is done in accordance with clause 79 of the Rules.

Vehicles whose speed must not exceed 40 km/h, or which cannot reach that speed for technical reasons, must use the rightmost lane, except when passing an obstacle, overtaking, or changing lanes before a left turn, a U-turn, or, where permitted, stopping on the left side.

Driving on tram tracks for the same direction located on the left of the carriageway and level with it is permitted when all lanes in that direction are occupied, and when overtaking, passing an obstacle, turning left or making a U-turn, taking clause 40 of the Rules into account. The tram must not be impeded. If signs 5.15.1 “Lane directions” or 5.15.2 “Lane direction” are installed before an intersection, driving on the tram tracks through the intersection is prohibited. Driving on tram tracks for the opposite direction is prohibited.

If the carriageway is divided into lanes by markings, vehicles must travel within those lanes. Broken lines may be crossed only when changing lanes.

Driving on verges, pavements and footpaths is prohibited, except when manoeuvring to park at the pavement edge in the cases set out in clause 81 of the Rules. Where there is no other way, road and utility service vehicles may drive on them, and vehicles serving shops and other premises located directly by the verge, pavement or footpath may approach them by the shortest route, provided they do not impede pedestrians and road safety is ensured.

The driver must keep a distance from the vehicle ahead, and a side clearance from vehicles alongside, that makes it possible to avoid a collision with them.

Outside built-up areas, on two-way roads with one lane in each direction, drivers of speed-restricted vehicles and of vehicles longer than 7 m must keep such a distance from the vehicle ahead that vehicles overtaking them can, if necessary, return to their original lane without hindrance. This requirement does not apply on sections where overtaking is prohibited, in heavy traffic, or when travelling in an organised convoy.

On a two-way road without a central reservation, the driver must pass traffic islands, bollards and elements of road structures (bridge and overpass supports, etc.) on the carriageway on the right, unless signs and markings indicate otherwise.