IIRC, when I was a student in 2012, my trainer instructed me to only drive in the outside lane on cloverleaf ramps. Also, I think (but am not 100% sure) that the CDL Manual for the state of Alabama in 2012 said that semi-trucks should only travel in the outside lane on cloverleaf ramps. So for my entire ten year career, I have made a point of only driving my semi-truck in the outside lane of cloverleaf ramps.
Now I live in the state of Georgia, and I think (but am not 100% sure) the CDL Manuals for all 50 states are identical except for the name of the state on the cover.
I read my copy of the Georgia Department of Driver Services 2021-2022 Commercial Drivers Manual (Georgia CDL Manual) over the weekend. I was surprised that there is nothing in the Georgia CDL Manual that says that semi-trucks are supposed to drive in the outside lane on cloverleaf ramps or any types of off-ramp or on-ramps.
Does this vary by state? For instance, is it the case that the law in some states dictates that semi-trucks must drive in the outside lane of cloverleaf ramps (or any types of off-ramp or on-ramps), but the law in some other states does not dictate that semi-trucks must drive in the outside lane of cloverleaf ramps (or any types of on-ramps or off-ramps)?
Are semis supposed to drive the outside lane on cloverleaf ramps?
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by expedite_it, Jun 24, 2024.
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Don't think I've heard that as a rule or law.
it will leave you more room for your off track, but not required.Crude Truckin', Magoo1968, MACK E-6 and 6 others Thank this. -
Does everyone agree with numb on this? -
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Never heard of it in Commiefornia either. I’ll do outside when not enough room on the shoulder. Really it depends how wide the interchange is.
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The only place that it’s required (that I know of) is where it’s posted, like on this 2-lane ramp from I-20 to I-35 in Dallas.
tscottme and expedite_it Thank this. -
Makes more sense to not have vehicles trying to push by on your blind side
RockinChair and Diesel Dave Thank this. -
I've never heard of any such rule "trucks stay in the outside lane of a cloverleaf." This industry has a bad habit of drivers equating whatever your first trainer told you or did, while you were training as carved in stone, handed down from the Almighty, state, federal and international law. People on the forum will ask about the CDL regulations and the majority of answers will be "my trainer told me therefore that is probably the law" answers.
kylefitzy, expedite_it, Long FLD and 2 others Thank this. -
If it was law or regulation you wouldn't have a hard time finding it.
Numb Thanks this. -
Never heard of it being a law on the books unless it’s posted by a sign. Always seemed like more of a safety issue, if it’s tight and no shoulder I’m gonna be blocking both lanes; been encountering some poorly designed traffic circles where trucks essentially have to be in both lanes to take the “correct” one exiting.
Arctic_fox, tarmadilo and Numb Thank this.
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