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. Nascar_Bobby

    Nascar_Bobby Light Load Member

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    Feb 24, 2009
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    When can a trucker use the left lane when there are 3 lanes or more without being threatened with a fine?

    Should a trucker always avoid the hammer lane?
     
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  3. JSmitty

    JSmitty Light Load Member

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    Depends on local government, and state laws. California is a big no no to get out of the right 2 lanes.

    Some bigger cities enforce a "No Trucks in Left Lane" for a certain amount of miles. Just all depends on where it's at.
     
  4. mizdageeragn

    mizdageeragn Medium Load Member

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    In order to stay out of trouble,ALWAYS assume you can't be out there in a big truck.
     
  5. JSmitty

    JSmitty Light Load Member

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    I don't think so. When going through big cities, that's where I'm gonna be, unless there is signs stating otherwise.


    Best advice: Watch all signs when entering a state, and entering cities. Hell, watch them all the time.
     
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  6. LandShark

    LandShark Road Train Member

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    IF you cant run the speed limit or better NEVER EVER GET in the 3rd lane..
     
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  7. JSmitty

    JSmitty Light Load Member

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    lol, yeah, true. Hell, I can run twice the speed limits, just choose not to, lol
     
  8. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Aw shucks, even Knight can double the speed limit. As long as the speed limit is 30 MPH or under.:yes2557:

    As others have said, Bobby, you need to watch the signs. Use of common sense will tell you when it is time to stay out of the hammer lane.
     
  9. davidcboyd33

    davidcboyd33 Light Load Member

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    Forsyth, GA
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    As long as the law doesn't prohibit it, you can use the hammer lane. But, here is the safe answer for you.

    The most dangerous place for a truck to be is in the hammer lane. There is a very large blindspot on the passenger side of your truck making right hand lane changes more dangerous. It is safer to stay right, this removes most of the concern about traffic in the blindspot on the passenger side of your vehicle.

    Many states do have laws even outside of cities that say "keep right except to pass." This is often ignored but a grumpy old bear could cite you for it.
     
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  10. User Name

    User Name Light Load Member

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    Aug 20, 2008
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    Indiana does not post signs about no left lane use for trucks when on 3 or more lanes....... but it's the law. It's up to $500.00 (but usually not that high) & 4 points on your license for improper lane usage.

    Indiana does have signage in the 3 lane that states "All trucks & vehicles with trailers use left two lanes". Indiana also has almost the very same sign verbatim where there's only two lanes in one direction. "All trucks & vehicles with trailers use right lane.

    In one of these cases it's okay to use the right lane & the other is very expensive.

    Illinois, Michigan, & Georgia, also have blanket stae wide left lane/lanes truck restrictions.
     
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  11. PAJ1979

    PAJ1979 Light Load Member

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    Mar 28, 2009
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    I've lived and driven in Illinois all my life and never seen or heard anything about no trucks being in the left lane. I avoid Chicago like the plague so it might be that way up there, but in the rest of the state We've got the stay right except to pass laws, but as long as you're passing someone the hammer lane is legal.
     
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