Various measures across the country aimed at restricting the use of the left lane for large trucks have drawn the attention of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). In different states, legislation is being considered to extend left-lane-use rules to all vehicles.
The OOIDA is concerned that these efforts, while well-intentioned, may pose significant challenges for truckers and compromise the safety of the public. Truck drivers, as direct witnesses to the consequences of traffic laws, believe that restricting trucks from certain lanes can have unintended negative effects.
In Colorado, Senate Bill 100 (SB100), sponsored by Sen. Dylan Roberts, seeks to prohibit large commercial vehicles from the left lane on Interstate 70, with exceptions for passing slower vehicles. The Colorado Motor Carriers Association expresses concerns about potential operational challenges for truckers.
Kentucky’s Senate Transportation Committee unanimously advanced SB107, which focuses on preventing trucks from using the far-left lane on highways with at least three lanes in the same direction. Despite concerns from professional drivers, the committee supported the bill, aiming to prevent trucks from running side by side.
In Michigan, House Bill 5304 proposes restricting large trucks to the right two lanes on expressways with three or more lanes. The bipartisan bill aims to enhance traffic flow and safety by ensuring trucks stay in the right lanes.
Florida is considering legislation (HB317/SB258) to amend left lane rules for all vehicles, emphasizing that the left lane is for passing only, with exceptions. Similar efforts are underway in Iowa (SF2116) to prevent left-lane camping on multi-lane highways and improve traffic flow.
Maryland is reviewing HB298, seeking to broaden the application of left-lane-use rules to all multi-lane roadways, not just interstates. An identical Senate version, SB768, is also under consideration.
In Oklahoma, House Bill 3452 proposes time limits on left-lane use, requiring overtaking and passing to be performed expeditiously, with specific time frames for large trucks and fines for violators.
While these measures aim to address traffic concerns, the OOIDA and the National Motorists Association advocate for comprehensive approaches to left-lane use, emphasizing the importance of promoting road safety and efficiency.
Source: Land Line
