Are semis supposed to drive the outside lane on cloverleaf ramps?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by expedite_it, Jun 24, 2024.

  1. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    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)?
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2024
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  3. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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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.
     
  4. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    So you think it's a good idea to drive in the outside lane on cloverleaf, but you don't think that there is a law that says that a semi-truck has to drive in the outside lane on cloverleaf?

    Does everyone agree with numb on this?
     
  5. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Agreed
     
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  6. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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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.
     
  7. tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

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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. 010D6555-EE59-489A-933E-E4681A543E8A.jpeg
     
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  8. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    Makes more sense to not have vehicles trying to push by on your blind side
     
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  9. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    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.
     
  10. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    If it was law or regulation you wouldn't have a hard time finding it.
     
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  11. Lostmykey

    Lostmykey Medium Load Member

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    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.
     
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