How common are "NO TRUCKS IN LEFT LANE" in your area on multiple lane highways?
In New York/New Jersey, every highway I've traveled on always post signs indicating that trucks are forbidden from driving in left lane, and sometimes it includes buses/trailers as well especially in New York State. In Ontario and Quebec very common as well.
I like it for safety reason!
Quite common here if the road has more than two lanes per side. Also common are signs restricting hazmats to the two right lanes.
When I was growing up there weren't many left-lane truck restrictions and it caused problems when trucks overturned over the center barrier.
I can't remember seeing it anywhere in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
Quite common on the Chicagoland expressways and tollways. Usually on the Illinois side it's "TRUCKS USE 2 RIGHT LANES" (https://goo.gl/maps/cKvcFhsBjTK2) or "TRUCKS USE 4 RIGHT LANES" (https://goo.gl/maps/u4EnZg1L4zy) (or similar). There's also the rarer "NO TRUCKS IN 2 LEFT LANES" (https://goo.gl/maps/yP7aLxCkqop). Indiana uses "NO TRUCKS LEFT LANE" (https://goo.gl/maps/i8vcS7w9dCD2) and this unique sign (https://goo.gl/maps/Ybjsh3H5giD2). There's a two-lane version (https://goo.gl/maps/7eT1Ax7GBaz) of it as well. Michigan uses "ALL TRUCKS USE RIGHT 2 LANES" (https://goo.gl/maps/pdNSKkSBFpF2).
Overall, it's a state law that prohibits trucks in the left lane, or requires truckers to use the right 2 lanes only. Quickly glancing, I didn't see a list off hand that shows each state's laws governing this, although I believe more than half the states prohibits trucks in the left lane (other than for turning or exiting).
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 25, 2016, 12:55:43 PM
Overall, it's a state law that prohibits trucks in the left lane, or requires truckers to use the right 2 lanes only. Quickly glancing, I didn't see a list off hand that shows each state's laws governing this, although I believe more than half the states prohibits trucks in the left lane (other than for turning or exiting).
New York usually does if there are more than 3 lanes, although this is not a guarantee. It always holds true on NYSTA-maintained highways.
A semi-related (no pun intended!) issue is how common it is, in left-hand-drive countries (so as to exclude the UK and the like), to have a restriction REQUIRING trucks to use the left lane. I know I've seen it a few times, though off the top of my head I can't say where.
Quote from: NJ on January 25, 2016, 10:13:07 AM
How common are "NO TRUCKS IN LEFT LANE" in your area on multiple lane highways?
In Ontario and Quebec very common as well.
Only on sections of freeway with three or more lanes per direction. Some exceptions do apply where it makes operational sense not to restrict it.
Quote from: cbeach40 on January 25, 2016, 03:20:22 PM
Quote from: NJ on January 25, 2016, 10:13:07 AM
How common are "NO TRUCKS IN LEFT LANE" in your area on multiple lane highways?
In Ontario and Quebec very common as well.
Only on sections of freeway with three or more lanes per direction. Some exceptions do apply where it makes operational sense not to restrict it.
Yes. On the QEW, they're mainly found on the two bridges. In the case of the Garden City Skyway, the restriction ends immediately after the bridge because there's a left exit a few kilometres away.
West Virginia uses them on freeways and expressways where there are 3 lanes in a direction.
Other than NJ/NY area, I've only seen this on I-35 in Texas (specifically the stretch between San Antonio and Austin).
Always in CT on 3 lanes except within a couple of miles of a left hand exit.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.657336,-72.8516518,3a,75y,180h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scVK0UhBAHW1BsBEN8cz1iw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Just before the exits:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6926622,-72.8120433,3a,75y,180h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1szvptwgMvP18s7BPhyo43Tg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Nothing here from my travels in the Keystone State.
Quote from: Brandon on January 25, 2016, 11:56:57 AM
Michigan uses "ALL TRUCKS USE RIGHT 2 LANES" (https://goo.gl/maps/pdNSKkSBFpF2).
Michigan also has "End Truck Lane Restrictions" signs as you approach a left exit.
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 25, 2016, 06:10:47 PM
Nothing here from my travels in the Keystone State.
US 15 in the Dillsburg area:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.1383074,-77.0130495,3a,75y,216.6h,68.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srOnn2x0TvkJWzWNIz7kS3A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1 (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.1383074,-77.0130495,3a,75y,216.6h,68.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srOnn2x0TvkJWzWNIz7kS3A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1)
Common along Interstates in Georgia and Florida.
In PA, freeways in the Philly area, including the PA Turnpike all have the restriction signed.
ALSO...there are several places in PA on 4-lane non-freeway roads where trucks are prohibited in the left lane. US 11/15 in the Shamokin Dam/Sunbury area and US 15 near Lewisburg are two examples, and maybe PA 61 in one or two places in Schuylkill County?
None in Ohio, though there was a bill introduced to the Ohio House last spring that would keep vehicles over 10k lbs in the right 2 lanes in 3 lane situations, which was referred to committee.
I know I've seen "No Trucks Left Lane" (in painted form) on the mountain section of I-40 going from TN into NC
^^ Not quite true. The Ohio Turnpike has such a restriction in its six lane sections.
An example: https://goo.gl/maps/RPEZUKpeVeP2
Only place I can think of off the top of my head is I-695 between I-95 and I-70.
"NO TRUCKS IN LEFT LANE" restrictions are in place on various parts of I-20, I-30 and I-635 in the Dallas area. Not entirely sure about the Fort Worth side of the Metroplex.
Kentucky's verbiage is "Trucks Use Right 2 Lanes." That restriction is not in place for the I-64/I-75 concurrency.
As Brian noted above, WV uses the restrictive "No Trucks Left Lane" rather than the permissive language Kentucky uses.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 25, 2016, 10:33:42 AM
I can't remember seeing it anywhere in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
I've seen them in construction zones in Wisconsin. I-94 south of Milwaukee has had them during various construction projects.
I think in Washington, trucks are usually limited to the right two lanes of a 3 lane carriageway, or the right three lanes of a 4 or 5 lane carriageway.
Colorado pretty much limits the truck left-lane restrictions to the steep mountain stretches on I-70.
Sometimes, they will not specifically say NO TRUCKS in the left lane, but they will have a minimum speed posted for the left lane that they know most truckers (or RV-ers) cannot reach -- either because they are going up a steep hill or have a low maximum truck speed downhill.
In Massachusetts, on three lane freeways trucks are prohibited from using the left lane. On four lane freeways, trucks are prohibited from using the left two lanes. These restrictions do not apply approaching left hand exits, where an "EXCEPT TO EXIT" tab is placed with the prohibition signs.
Canada:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.static.flickr.com%2F752%2F21076781698_2e736184c5.jpg&hash=f4a492cd0576654a70ef9019446c4402a2234aa0)
Quote from: cl94 on January 25, 2016, 01:11:12 PMNew York usually does if there are more than 3 lanes, although this is not a guarantee. It always holds true on NYSTA-maintained highways.
Yes, and their verbiage–"Trucks Prohibited in Left Lane"–raises a grammatical quandary, which I believe we've discussed here before.
iPhone
NC I40 coming in from TN going over the mountain, even poping into the left lane to pass will get you a ticket.
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 04:59:51 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 25, 2016, 01:11:12 PMNew York usually does if there are more than 3 lanes, although this is not a guarantee. It always holds true on NYSTA-maintained highways.
Yes, and their verbiage–"Trucks Prohibited in Left Lane"–raises a grammatical quandary, which I believe we've discussed here before.
iPhone
NYSTA typically uses this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8763739,-78.8027969,3a,16.2y,252.55h,87.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDQVV5xY2VCEgLAF-PZdJWA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) or a variant
Quote from: peterj920 on January 26, 2016, 04:28:16 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 25, 2016, 10:33:42 AM
I can't remember seeing it anywhere in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
I've seen them in construction zones in Wisconsin. I-94 south of Milwaukee has had them during various construction projects.
In construction zones, I've also seen "TRUCKS USE LEFT LANE" in instances where the traffic lanes are shifted to the right and the right-most lane is on the shoulder. Presumably, the shoulder is less capable of carrying truck weight. I've got no picture, due to the temporary nature of those signs.
Quote from: theline on January 26, 2016, 05:51:38 PM
Quote from: peterj920 on January 26, 2016, 04:28:16 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 25, 2016, 10:33:42 AM
I can't remember seeing it anywhere in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
I've seen them in construction zones in Wisconsin. I-94 south of Milwaukee has had them during various construction projects.
In construction zones, I've also seen "TRUCKS USE LEFT LANE" in instances where the traffic lanes are shifted to the right and the right-most lane is on the shoulder. Presumably, the shoulder is less capable of carrying truck weight. I've got no picture, due to the temporary nature of those signs.
When roads are built, generally the shoulder area is constructed with fewer layers of asphalt than the travel lanes. Thus, they'll keep trucks off the shoulder in order to prevent the shoulder from becoming damaged. In long-term construction projects, sometimes it's beneficial to reconstruct the shoulder in order for all traffic to utilize it.
Quote from: cl94 on January 26, 2016, 05:08:28 PM
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 04:59:51 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 25, 2016, 01:11:12 PMNew York usually does if there are more than 3 lanes, although this is not a guarantee. It always holds true on NYSTA-maintained highways.
Yes, and their verbiage–"Trucks Prohibited in Left Lane"–raises a grammatical quandary, which I believe we've discussed here before.
iPhone
NYSTA typically uses this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8763739,-78.8027969,3a,16.2y,252.55h,87.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDQVV5xY2VCEgLAF-PZdJWA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) or a variant
Maybe it's the Mass Pike I'm thinking of? Or some other facility?
How common are "NO TRUCKS IN LEFT LANE" in your area on multiple lane highways?
Not often enough. I don't think any of the freeways and expressways in Baton Rouge have this restriction. Not sure about New Orleans. There is a lane restriction (as well as a lower speed limit) for trucks on the Atchafalaya Basin bridge.
California...
* When there are 2 travel lanes in a particular direction, trucks are restricted to the right lane except to pass.
* When there are 3+ travel lanes in a particular direction, trucks are restricted to the far right 2 lanes unless there are signs posted that allow trucks in another lane. This is typically done by placing a "TRUCKS OK" plaque above a white-on-green down arrow on overhead guide signs.
So in California, it's not "No Trucks in Left Lane", it's more like, "Trucks Right Lane/Right 2 Lanes Only".
Quote from: cl94 on January 26, 2016, 05:08:28 PM
NYSTA typically uses this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8763739,-78.8027969,3a,16.2y,252.55h,87.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDQVV5xY2VCEgLAF-PZdJWA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) or a variant
And not just in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls area. ;-)
Quote from: xcellntbuy on January 25, 2016, 06:29:18 PM
Common along Interstates in Georgia and Florida.
Well, on I-75 between Wesley Chapel and Wildwood, that restriction doesn't exist, although I'm sure it will once they finish widening that section. I'm pretty sure you'll also find it on I-95 in Florence, South Carolina. Honestly, I got so used to the left-lane being for cars only, I used to be surprised when I found there were places where trucks could use the left lanes.
Turns out it is Massachusetts (https://goo.gl/maps/eoHvkuXv9DQ2).
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 11:40:47 PM
Turns out it is Massachusetts (https://goo.gl/maps/eoHvkuXv9DQ2).
The older, more conventional, ground-mounted version which Mass has used back to DPW days used a numeric 2 instead of the word two but still carried the same message, [/url=https://www.google.com/maps/@42.4968451,-71.1731385,3a,29.6y,105.43h,90.29t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1scTdrWiLqGmJ5ind1RUybbA!2e0]which carries over in carbon-copy replacements.[/url]
Quote from: NJ on January 25, 2016, 10:13:07 AM
How common are "NO TRUCKS IN LEFT LANE" in your area on multiple lane highways?
In New York/New Jersey, every highway I've traveled on always post signs indicating that trucks are forbidden from driving in left lane, and sometimes it includes buses/trailers as well especially in New York State. In Ontario and Quebec very common as well.
I like it for safety reason!
Pretty common in Indiana where there are 3+ lanes on a freeway.
Quote from: cl94 on January 26, 2016, 05:08:28 PM
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 04:59:51 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 25, 2016, 01:11:12 PMNew York usually does if there are more than 3 lanes, although this is not a guarantee. It always holds true on NYSTA-maintained highways.
Yes, and their verbiage–"Trucks Prohibited in Left Lane"–raises a grammatical quandary, which I believe we've discussed here before.
iPhone
NYSTA typically uses this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8763739,-78.8027969,3a,16.2y,252.55h,87.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDQVV5xY2VCEgLAF-PZdJWA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) or a variant
I see those in downstate N.Y. as well
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 08:26:34 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 26, 2016, 05:08:28 PM
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 04:59:51 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 25, 2016, 01:11:12 PMNew York usually does if there are more than 3 lanes, although this is not a guarantee. It always holds true on NYSTA-maintained highways.
Yes, and their verbiage—"Trucks Prohibited in Left Lane"—raises a grammatical quandary, which I believe we've discussed here before.
iPhone
NYSTA typically uses this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8763739,-78.8027969,3a,16.2y,252.55h,87.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDQVV5xY2VCEgLAF-PZdJWA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) or a variant
Maybe it's the Mass Pike I'm thinking of? Or some other facility?
Massachusetts signs (both MassPike and other roads) typically read 'TRUCKS PROHIBITED FROM LEFT (TWO) LANE(S)'. Although MassDOT has recently introduced a variant, which reads "LEFT LANE(S) (no trucks graphic)".
Quote from: jemacedo9 on January 25, 2016, 06:57:05 PM
In PA, freeways in the Philly area, including the PA Turnpike all have the restriction signed.
ALSO...there are several places in PA on 4-lane non-freeway roads where trucks are prohibited in the left lane. US 11/15 in the Shamokin Dam/Sunbury area and US 15 near Lewisburg are two examples, and maybe PA 61 in one or two places in Schuylkill County?
The restriction is usually on 6+ laned freeways. Their signs are a lot more specific too banning trucks, buses and trailers.
Quote from: NJ on January 27, 2016, 09:51:42 AM
Quote from: cl94 on January 26, 2016, 05:08:28 PM
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 04:59:51 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 25, 2016, 01:11:12 PMNew York usually does if there are more than 3 lanes, although this is not a guarantee. It always holds true on NYSTA-maintained highways.
Yes, and their verbiage–"Trucks Prohibited in Left Lane"–raises a grammatical quandary, which I believe we've discussed here before.
iPhone
NYSTA typically uses this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8763739,-78.8027969,3a,16.2y,252.55h,87.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDQVV5xY2VCEgLAF-PZdJWA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) or a variant
I see those in downstate N.Y. as well
Surprisingly I haven't seen those signs in the Syracuse or Rochester area. Never gave it a thought until reading this thread.
Quote from: PurdueBill on January 27, 2016, 12:36:40 AM
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 11:40:47 PM
Turns out it is Massachusetts (https://goo.gl/maps/eoHvkuXv9DQ2).
The older, more conventional, ground-mounted version which Mass has used back to DPW days used a numeric 2 instead of the word two but still carried the same message, [/url=https://www.google.com/maps/@42.4968451,-71.1731385,3a,29.6y,105.43h,90.29t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1scTdrWiLqGmJ5ind1RUybbA!2e0]which carries over in carbon-copy replacements.[/url]
Actually, MassDPW had standard layout drawings for both the text and numeric versions. As I noted in my post above, the all text signs are starting to be phased out in favor of graphic signs with "LEFT LANE" or "LEFT 2 LANES" notations. The I-95 (128) Wellesley to Lexington segment now has the newer signs.
Quote from: roadman on January 27, 2016, 11:04:08 AM
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 08:26:34 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 26, 2016, 05:08:28 PM
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 04:59:51 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 25, 2016, 01:11:12 PMNew York usually does if there are more than 3 lanes, although this is not a guarantee. It always holds true on NYSTA-maintained highways.
Yes, and their verbiage—"Trucks Prohibited in Left Lane"—raises a grammatical quandary, which I believe we've discussed here before.
iPhone
NYSTA typically uses this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8763739,-78.8027969,3a,16.2y,252.55h,87.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDQVV5xY2VCEgLAF-PZdJWA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) or a variant
Maybe it's the Mass Pike I'm thinking of? Or some other facility?
Massachusetts signs (both MassPike and other roads) typically read 'TRUCKS PROHIBITED FROM LEFT (TWO) LANE(S)'. Although MassDOT has recently introduced a variant, which reads "LEFT LANE(S) (no trucks graphic)".
Yes, that's it. "Prohibited from" seems to be something you'd follow with a verb, not a noun. But it's a sign, so maybe there's an implicit ellipsis?
iPhone
Quote from: roadman on January 27, 2016, 01:04:28 PM
Quote from: PurdueBill on January 27, 2016, 12:36:40 AM
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 11:40:47 PM
Turns out it is Massachusetts (https://goo.gl/maps/eoHvkuXv9DQ2).
The older, more conventional, ground-mounted version which Mass has used back to DPW days used a numeric 2 instead of the word two but still carried the same message, [/url=https://www.google.com/maps/@42.4968451,-71.1731385,3a,29.6y,105.43h,90.29t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1scTdrWiLqGmJ5ind1RUybbA!2e0]which carries over in carbon-copy replacements.[/url]
Actually, MassDPW had standard layout drawings for both the text and numeric versions. As I noted in my post above, the all text signs are starting to be phased out in favor of graphic signs with "LEFT LANE" or "LEFT 2 LANES" notations. The I-95 (128) Wellesley to Lexington segment now has the newer signs.
Indeed, but the symbol version is only recently appearing. I remember the worded version way, way back when it was on a wooden substrate with a green back, still found in places like the old guardrail median of 128. :)
I saw a discussion once arguing for restricting the left lane to trucks, buses, and trailers *only*.
The argument was that trucks were most likely just passing through, not exiting, and by forcing them to the right and center lanes in populated areas they were obstructing entering and exiting traffic, which would brake suddenly or change lanes abruptly, causing the trucks to brake suddenly and so on. If long-distance trucks could stay in the far left lane where no cars were permitted, they could pass through more safely and local traffic could maneuver more safely and easily.
Quote from: upstatenyroads on January 27, 2016, 12:16:15 PM
Quote from: NJ on January 27, 2016, 09:51:42 AM
Quote from: cl94 on January 26, 2016, 05:08:28 PM
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 04:59:51 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 25, 2016, 01:11:12 PMNew York usually does if there are more than 3 lanes, although this is not a guarantee. It always holds true on NYSTA-maintained highways.
Yes, and their verbiage–"Trucks Prohibited in Left Lane"–raises a grammatical quandary, which I believe we've discussed here before.
iPhone
NYSTA typically uses this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8763739,-78.8027969,3a,16.2y,252.55h,87.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDQVV5xY2VCEgLAF-PZdJWA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) or a variant
I see those in downstate N.Y. as well
Surprisingly I haven't seen those signs in the Syracuse or Rochester area. Never gave it a thought until reading this thread.
6-lane section in Victor uses them, along with every other 6+ lane section of the Thruway.
Maryland's left lane prohibition is by weight. The MDTA roads say "No Vehicles Over 5T GVW Left Lane", while SHA uses "Trucks" instead of vehicles. On sections with more than 3 lanes, the restriction is on the left two lanes. Exceptions (which are signed) are made in advance of median service plazas or left exits.
Delaware technically does restrict trucks to the right two lanes on I-95 but the only sign I have seen is northbound after the toll plaza.
I was in fact mistaken about Washington because I was somewhat misinterpreting the signs on I-5 between Seattle and Tacoma (where there are five total lanes in each direction). The signs along this stretch say "USE RIGHT 3 LANES" because trucks are allowed in lanes 3, 4, and 5, but banned from lane 2 (the left most general-purpose lane). But they
are allowed in the HOV lane.
Here is the rule in question (Washington State Commercial Vehicle Guide (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/EE2D33C7-E6A0-4C58-9BD9-AE05C003B327/0/VehicleGuide.pdf))
QuoteAny vehicle towing a trailer, or other vehicle or combination over 10,000 pounds, may not be driven in the left-hand lane of limited-access roadways that have three or more lanes in one direction, excluding HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes. This includes commercial trucks, recreational vehicles, vehicles towing boats, and any car or truck towing
a trailer. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW are prohibited from HOV lanes, even with the minimum number of occupants specified on signs.
This law affects any limited-access roadway that has three or more general purpose lanes in one direction. The law primarily affects I-5, portions of I-90 and I-405 in King and Snohomish Counties, and portions of I-90 in Spokane. It does not apply to HOV lanes, or to drivers of affected vehicles who are preparing to turn left at an intersection, or exit onto a private road or driveway. WSDOT will have signs posted in those areas where the law is in affect. Failure to obey the law in areas where signs are posted will result in a citation by the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
However, I'm pretty sure there's one case where it does apply to HOV lanes. The southern half of I-405 through Renton and Newcastle (where there are 2 GP lanes and an HOV lane) there are signs prohibiting trucks from the carpool lane.
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 27, 2016, 09:11:16 PM
Maryland's left lane prohibition is by weight. The MDTA roads say "No Vehicles Over 5T GVW Left Lane", while SHA uses "Trucks" instead of vehicles. On sections with more than 3 lanes, the restriction is on the left two lanes. Exceptions (which are signed) are made in advance of median service plazas or left exits.
Most of the DC beltway in MD is 4 lanes each way, but only restricts such vehicles from the left lane. HazMats are restricted from the left 2 lanes.
Quote from: SteveG1988 on January 26, 2016, 05:01:46 PM
NC I40 coming in from TN going over the mountain, even poping into the left lane to pass will get you a ticket.
So this guy can't drive in the left lane of I-40?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.strangeharvest.com%2Fpope%2Fpopemobile10.jpg&hash=50c089f6b4160ea2c27a4f4937eebdaf767fce95)
Quote from: cl94 on January 27, 2016, 08:52:07 PM
Quote from: upstatenyroads on January 27, 2016, 12:16:15 PM
Quote from: NJ on January 27, 2016, 09:51:42 AM
Quote from: cl94 on January 26, 2016, 05:08:28 PM
Quote from: empirestate on January 26, 2016, 04:59:51 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 25, 2016, 01:11:12 PMNew York usually does if there are more than 3 lanes, although this is not a guarantee. It always holds true on NYSTA-maintained highways.
Yes, and their verbiage–"Trucks Prohibited in Left Lane"–raises a grammatical quandary, which I believe we've discussed here before.
iPhone
NYSTA typically uses this sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8763739,-78.8027969,3a,16.2y,252.55h,87.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDQVV5xY2VCEgLAF-PZdJWA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) or a variant
I see those in downstate N.Y. as well
Surprisingly I haven't seen those signs in the Syracuse or Rochester area. Never gave it a thought until reading this thread.
6-lane section in Victor uses them, along with every other 6+ lane section of the Thruway.
Indeed, I should have noted that I was referring to I-81, I-481 and the I-x90s in those areas.
Nevada does not use signs saying "NO TRUCKS IN LEFT LANE" or similar. The state does not have blanket lane restrictions on trucks.
There are some areas where trucks are told to use a certain lane
*Truck climbing lanes. In these cases, the sign is "TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE"
*I-580/US 395 between Reno and Carson City. During crosswinds, (but not winds high enough to restrict high profile vehicles from this stretch), trucks are told to use the left lane (southbound) or right lane (northbound) so they are on the side away from the second lane--so if a wind gust picks up suddenly, the truck is not blown into adjacent lanes.
*US 395 Business in Carson City. For reasons I have yet to figure out, trucks are told to use the left (inside) lane through much of downtown Carson City.
I think Kentucky's rule is they must stay in the two right lanes, which means on a four lane interstate, the rule doesn't apply and you get to sit behind a turtle race.
In our area where I-15 is a whopping 10-12 lanes wide, trucks aren't allowed in the left TWO lanes. It actually kind of confuses me because I don't know if the HOV lane counts.
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 25, 2016, 01:13:17 PM
A semi-related (no pun intended!) issue is how common it is, in left-hand-drive countries (so as to exclude the UK and the like), to have a restriction REQUIRING trucks to use the left lane. I know I've seen it a few times, though off the top of my head I can't say where.
IRC In the early 1990's Arkansas had signs on I 40 that suggested trucks (18 wheelers) use the left lane to even out road wear, I dont remember the exact verbage. I 40's right lane was like a washboard back then :-( If you didnt move everything off your dashboard before the AR line after a few miles in the right lane everything on your dash was bounced off onto the floor. Cabovers were predominate back then & they were notorious for having a rough ride even on smooth roads.
The I40 truck restriction thru the Gorge (NC-TN) was put in place b/c too many Billy Big-rigers were turning their trucks on their sides by going too fast thru the curves there. I seldom had a problem runing 55-60mph thru there you just gotta pay attention & know what your doing. Driving there during the day you were limited to whatever speed the truck at the head on the line was doing, often 35-40mph but at night you could cheat & pass by listening to the cb for bear reports.
The PA Tpk often used trucks & busses use left lane thru construction zones when the right lane used the shoulder.
Quote from: Kacie Jane on January 27, 2016, 10:09:28 PM
I was in fact mistaken about Washington because I was somewhat misinterpreting the signs on I-5 between Seattle and Tacoma (where there are five total lanes in each direction). The signs along this stretch say "USE RIGHT 3 LANES" because trucks are allowed in lanes 3, 4, and 5, but banned from lane 2 (the left most general-purpose lane). But they are allowed in the HOV lane.
...
However, I'm pretty sure there's one case where it does apply to HOV lanes. The southern half of I-405 through Renton and Newcastle (where there are 2 GP lanes and an HOV lane) there are signs prohibiting trucks from the carpool lane.
If I'm reading the law correctly, vehicles over 10,000 GVW are not permitted in the HOV lane:
Quote
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW are prohibited from HOV lanes, even with the minimum number of occupants specified on signs.
Quote from: jakeroot on February 11, 2016, 03:32:11 AM
Quote from: Kacie Jane on January 27, 2016, 10:09:28 PM
I was in fact mistaken about Washington because I was somewhat misinterpreting the signs on I-5 between Seattle and Tacoma (where there are five total lanes in each direction). The signs along this stretch say "USE RIGHT 3 LANES" because trucks are allowed in lanes 3, 4, and 5, but banned from lane 2 (the left most general-purpose lane). But they are allowed in the HOV lane.
...
However, I'm pretty sure there's one case where it does apply to HOV lanes. The southern half of I-405 through Renton and Newcastle (where there are 2 GP lanes and an HOV lane) there are signs prohibiting trucks from the carpool lane.
If I'm reading the law correctly, vehicles over 10,000 GVW are not permitted in the HOV lane:
Quote
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW are prohibited from HOV lanes, even with the minimum number of occupants specified on signs.
Huh. I managed to skip over that line multiple times because I was focusing on the one a couple of sentences later instead:
QuoteIt [the law] does not apply to HOV lanes
That statement is probably trying to explain that the HOV lane doesn't count as the left lane. But the way it's juxtaposed with the rest of the sentence threw off the meaning for me. I'll try to look up the actual law (rather than a WSDOT document explaining the law...poorly) if I get a chance.
Quote from: Kacie Jane on February 11, 2016, 10:56:25 AM
QuoteIt [the law] does not apply to HOV lanes
That statement is probably trying to explain that the HOV lane doesn't count as the left lane. But the way it's juxtaposed with the rest of the sentence threw off the meaning for me. I'll try to look up the actual law (rather than a WSDOT document explaining the law...poorly) if I get a chance.
It was confusing me as well. My assumption is that the "prohibited from HOV lanes" phrase automatically trumps the rest of the law. The law seems poorly written.
My original post wasn't quoting the actual law, it was a WSDOT-written interpretation of the law. Here are the actual laws in question, though to my eyes, they're not much easier to interpret unambiguously:
Quote from: RCW 46.61.100
(3) No vehicle towing a trailer or no vehicle or combination over ten thousand pounds may be driven in the left-hand lane of a limited access roadway having three or more lanes for traffic moving in one direction except when preparing for a left turn at an intersection, exit, or into a private road or driveway when a left turn is legally permitted. This subsection does not apply to a vehicle using a high occupancy vehicle lane. A high occupancy vehicle lane is not considered the left-hand lane of a roadway. The department of transportation, in consultation with the Washington state patrol, shall adopt rules specifying (a) those circumstances where it is permissible for other vehicles to use the left lane in case of emergency or to facilitate the orderly flow of traffic, and (b) those segments of limited access roadway to be exempt from this subsection due to the operational characteristics of the roadway.
Quote from: WAC 468-510-020
(1) RCW 46.61.100(3) mandates that no vehicle towing a trailer or no vehicle or combination over 10,000 lb. may use the left lane of limited access roadways having three or more lanes in one direction, and that a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane is not considered the left hand lane of a roadway. Within this section, 10,000 lb. means 10,000 lb. gross vehicle weight (G.V.W.).
(2) RCW 46.61.100(3) further mandates that the department, in consultation with the Washington state patrol, shall adopt rules specifying those circumstances where it is permissible for other vehicles to use the left lane in case of emergency or to facilitate the orderly flow of traffic, and those segments of limited access highways exempt from the subsection due to the operational characteristics of the roadway.
ETA also:
Quote from: WAC 468-510-010
Pursuant to RCW 46.61.165 and 47.52.025, the department has reserved portions of interstate highways, state highways, and ramps, as HOV lanes for the exclusive use of public transportation vehicles or private motor vehicles with the number of occupants specified on signs. Motor vehicles authorized to use HOV lanes are:
(6) All other vehicles with the number of occupants specified on signs, except that trucks in excess of 10,000 lb. G.V.W. are prohibited from the use of HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants. Tow trucks that would be otherwise prohibited because of weight or number of occupants may use HOV lanes when en route to an emergency on a specific roadway or roadside.
To me, the sentence "This subsection does not apply to a vehicle using a high occupancy vehicle lane" in the first one means that a truck in an HOV lane is breaking WAC 468-510-010 but not RCW 46.61.100, which I guess kinda makes sense (doesn't really matter how many laws you're breaking, just matters that you're breaking one). My issue is with the next sentence. To me, when you say, "A high occupancy vehicle lane is not considered the left-hand lane of a roadway", it doesn't necessarily follow that the leftmost GP lane
is considered the left-hand lane of the roadway.
I saw one recently on 290 eastbound in the Shrewsbury, Mass., area:
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3294296,-71.692728,3a,75y,50.62h,67.84t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s4-jZNR8n_kY5P4GWCN6FMw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
However, since Google did its drive-by, at least one of the all-text signs has been replaced with a truck silhouette in a circle-and-slash, with "LEFT LANE" or some such legend beneath.
I believe that in Europe, trucks and motorcoaches (also known as intercity buses here in the US) are generally required to stay in the right lane at all times.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 25, 2016, 10:33:42 AM
I can't remember seeing it anywhere in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
Every freeway there is 2 lanes!
We have them in Austin in the 3+ lane stretches
Looks like Virginia has new signage from the looks of this video uploaded today (around the 3:00 mark). The words "Commercial Vehicles Except Buses" are now white text on black background (like the infamous "Radar Detectors Illegal" signs), with "Prohibited In Left Lane" directly below it in the normal regulatory color scheme.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ehbu-4isHc
Quote from: davewiecking on January 27, 2016, 10:46:36 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 27, 2016, 09:11:16 PM
Maryland's left lane prohibition is by weight. The MDTA roads say "No Vehicles Over 5T GVW Left Lane", while SHA uses "Trucks" instead of vehicles. On sections with more than 3 lanes, the restriction is on the left two lanes. Exceptions (which are signed) are made in advance of median service plazas or left exits.
Most of the DC beltway in MD is 4 lanes each way, but only restricts such vehicles from the left lane. HazMats are restricted from the left 2 lanes.
You are correct. I'm not sure if that is because Virginia has the same restrictions.