Can truckers use the left lane ever when there are 3 lanes or more?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Nascar_Bobby, Mar 26, 2009.

  1. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Like everyone has said it all depends on the state or city. In Nevada there's no restriction or I'll say there wasn't when I was driving there. But really in the city where's there the three lanes there's no sense to be there unless the exit that turns off to the left which alot will do. As far as safety goes I stay in the middle lane. I'm in a truck and trailer that's over 85 feet and I believe the on coming traffic from the on ramps are the worse danger on any highway. I can see fairly well all around my truck with the added mirrors that my company has installed so really I have no blind spots. Plus if I choose I can turn on the close aparm system that will only come on when I turn either turn signal on.
     
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  3. doubledragon5

    doubledragon5 Road Train Member

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    Heck I stay in the left lane as much as possible. That way there I can keep my safe distance, since most people think, you can go faster than the posted speed limit..
     
  4. ihold_m_hold

    ihold_m_hold Bobtail Member

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    May 20, 2008
    Belton, Mo
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    In the state of Missouri there is a law that state's stay out of the left lane. Kansas is on the books for became a law.
     
  5. pepper687

    pepper687 Light Load Member

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    Apr 28, 2009
    Vancouver,WA
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    Depends on the state. Oregon = Drive in hammer lane is ok if passing. Washington = Drive in hammer lane is big fat ticket.
     
  6. User Name

    User Name Light Load Member

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    Aug 20, 2008
    Midwest
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    There may not be a left lane law specifically for trucks in Illinois but I've yet to find a section of Illinois interstate that has more then two lanes that is not posted "No Trucks Left Lane". Illinois did pass a new "speeder impeder" law in 2006 that does apply to all vehicles, which does state as you stated, use the left lane to pass & then get over.
     
  7. User Name

    User Name Light Load Member

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    Midwest
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    The bad thing about MO & their new left lane law is that they've yet to take the old signs down. In many places there are still signs that tell trucks that the left lane is restricted "x" amount of miles ahead. There's also signs that give conflicting weight limits on the left lane restrictions.
     
  8. mobyditch

    mobyditch Bobtail Member

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    Apr 19, 2009
    Des Moines, IA
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    Heck yes.. Especially when slower trucks clog up the middle lane..
     
  9. Dna Mach

    Dna Mach Road Train Member

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    Texas
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    NO TRUCKS LEFT LANE, is only to discourage. In Texas along I-20 and I-30 through the Dallas city limits there is a left lane restriction on commercial vehicles. However you can pass all you want in the left lane AS long as you get back over as soon as possible. Like someone said above "heck yes when trucks are clogging up the middle lane" I'm not passing them on the right for the same reason they are riding the center lane, too much traffic entering the highway.
     
  10. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    That law was passed in 2003 and became effective January 1, 2004.
     
  11. JW430

    JW430 Medium Load Member

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    Rocklin, CA
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    Don't run in the Left Lanes at all in CA, you will get a big fat ticket. Especially along I-80 near Applegate, CHP camps that stretch like moths to a light.
     
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