There are several examples of this in North Carolina. Most of the I-40/85 concurrency has a truck ban on the left 2 lanes. Enforcement is pretty lax as far as I can tell, but most trucks comply. It gets annoying real quick when they don't though.
https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0734294,-79.1641878,3a,42.2y,280.48h,89.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbLZwrQ02DQ51Lanyggi_-Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Also heading into Raleigh on 40.
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.8947299,-78.860907,3a,33.5y,107.69h,91.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stFI_R9yXCDRkGuYWUgUusw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
I know theres one on I-85 somewhere between the Yadkin river and Greensboro but I cannot find it. I don't know of any other states that have truck bans like this, but I'm sure they are out there.
Massachusetts only allows trucks in the right two lanes (whether there are 3 or 4). It's followed pretty well. It might even be written into state law, as it doesn't depend on which road you're on.
On 3-lane in 1 direction Georgia freeways, trucks can't use the left lane.
Trucks are supposedly limited to the two right lanes in California. Most truckers are pretty good about it but it can be a real nightmare when one doesn't out here. Once got stuck behind an Midwest state westbound semi blocking the left middle lane of four lanes on I-10 for miles because some other slowpoke was blocking the left lane. There was a large gap in front of both vehicles for several hundred yards with fairly thin traffic ahead of that. I finally passed them by zipping through the thinned out truck lanes in the middle of the 10/57/71 interchange; I hadn't reached the next bit of traffic by the time I got to the IKEA exit at Barranca although some vehicles did join I-10 from the other freeways.
I remember a "no trucks right lane" sign during a construction project when the right lane was pushed over onto the shoulder. It made me wonder if that's because the shoulder wasn't built to the same strength as the regular lanes. It also might be due to concerns about large vehicles going off the pavement. I don't know what else it could be (maybe a low clearance under a bridge with an arch). I don't remember any other details.
Previous thread on this subject here (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=17328.0). As was mentioned in that thread, the NYS Thruway uses these signs (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0000134,-77.4228868,3a,37.5y,315.43h,92.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQNgtMct3-Uj3nnydPSKQ_Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) to prohibit trucks, buses, and trailers from the left lane on six-lane sections. I've never noticed any trucks in the left lane on this particular segment, but then again it's only about 4 miles in length.
Quote from: wxfree on May 07, 2021, 10:05:35 PM
I remember a "no trucks right lane" sign during a construction project when the right lane was pushed over onto the shoulder. It made me wonder if that's because the shoulder wasn't built to the same strength as the regular lanes. It also might be due to concerns about large vehicles going off the pavement. I don't know what else it could be (maybe a low clearance under a bridge with an arch). I don't remember any other details.
The shoulder is not as strong as the regular lane as a thinner pavement thickness is used.
I could be wrong, but I think the OP was going for states that ban trucks from the left two lanes on an 8 lane highway. A lot do indeed ban from the left most lane, but not the center left if there's 4 or more in each direction.
Quote from: Big John on May 07, 2021, 10:41:27 PM
Quote from: wxfree on May 07, 2021, 10:05:35 PM
I remember a "no trucks right lane" sign during a construction project when the right lane was pushed over onto the shoulder. It made me wonder if that's because the shoulder wasn't built to the same strength as the regular lanes. It also might be due to concerns about large vehicles going off the pavement. I don't know what else it could be (maybe a low clearance under a bridge with an arch). I don't remember any other details.
The shoulder is not as strong as the regular lane as a thinner pavement thickness is used.
I remember seeing that a lot in Indiana when I drove a truck, and I suspected that was the reason. Few people bothered to pay attention to that, however.
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 07, 2021, 10:44:07 PM
I could be wrong, but I think the OP was going for states that ban trucks from the left two lanes on an 8 lane highway. A lot do indeed ban from the left most lane, but not the center left if there's 4 or more in each direction.
The Illinois Tollway bans trucks from the left two lanes on sections of road with four lanes per direction.
Exhibit A: I-94 just south of the IL/WI border (https://goo.gl/maps/c73q4r5v7GUG5juZ7)
Exhibit B: I-90 east of Randall Rd where the fourth lane is added (https://goo.gl/maps/J1b4zm9vrR3o1EnJ6)
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 07, 2021, 10:44:07 PM
I could be wrong, but I think the OP was going for states that ban trucks from the left two lanes on an 8 lane highway. A lot do indeed ban from the left most lane, but not the center left if there's 4 or more in each direction.
I wasn't getting that specific, just curious about what other states do regarding truck lane usage
I don't recall if the signs are still there. But on WB I-696 approaching the 96/275 interchange, there were/are signs saying, "End Truck Lane Restrictions". That's because the intersection is a split with 2 lanes going each way, and the trucks need a little advance opportunity to get to the left if they're continuing WB on I-96.
Quote from: wxfree on May 07, 2021, 10:05:35 PM
I remember a "no trucks right lane" sign during a construction project when the right lane was pushed over onto the shoulder. It made me wonder if that's because the shoulder wasn't built to the same strength as the regular lanes. It also might be due to concerns about large vehicles going off the pavement. I don't know what else it could be (maybe a low clearance under a bridge with an arch). I don't remember any other details.
The PA Turnpike does this in their widening projects where they are reconstructing the inside lanes, where traffic is running out the outside lane and shoulder...and it is for the reason you've guessed.
On some 4-lane arterials in PA and DE, trucks are restricted from the left lane. These are in built-up areas within an otherwise rural areas, where there are several traffic lights, that I can tell. I think it is because having trucks in both lanes starting from a complete stop would tie up traffic endlessly.
PA: US 15 in the Lewisburg area, US 11/15 in the Shamokin Dam/Selisgrove areas.
DE: US 13 and US 113 in some of the larger towns.
On I-95 in Delaware, specifically the Turnpike section, there used to be signs restricting trucks to only the two right lanes. But as traffic started getting heavier, trucks were having a hard time moving over from the 295 merge to the two right lanes. Then trucks would need to get back to the left lane for the service plaza just a few miles later. Then they divided the toll plaza in half, so trucks had to get back to the left two lanes again for the Express EZ Pass lanes.
With such a short highway to begin with, and traffic getting heavier, the newer signs just try to keep the trucks out of the left lane. Still tough due to the service area and toll plaza configurations.
On the Northbound side, there used to be "End Truck Lane Restrictions" on 95 just north of the DE 1/7 interchange. They were removed when the interchange was reconstructed.
On some of the bridges crossing the Delaware River:
Delaware Memorial Bridge (I-295):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XUSU8A7YTYdn2Mmw8
Commodore Barry Bridge (US 322):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HMedoUW96j3V2x3L6
Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rPf4crfMDZWnD7mQ8
Ben Franklin Bridge (I-676)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qjbmsBH9XcSUbTtQ7
Also,
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BjPXFrUzyab3Fmjz9 , due to the quickly narrowing roadway forcing a sharp merge to the right after the toll plaza in that area.
Truck left lane restrictions can also be zone-specific. I have seen several "END LEFT LANE RESTRICTION" signs where the prohibition ended and trucks were once again allowed to use the left lane.
Quote from: interstatefan990 on May 08, 2021, 10:17:27 AM
Truck left lane restrictions can also be zone-specific. I have seen several "END LEFT LANE RESTRICTION" signs where the prohibition ended and trucks were once again allowed to use the left lane.
I saw a lot of those along I-75 in Florida. Not sure why they just weren't restricted from the left lane throughout. Likely due to urban areas, but the speed limit remained at 70 mph the whole way.
In Virginia, trucks are only prohibited (with clear explicit signage that buses are always allowed in the left lane - which I don't agree with unless it's HOV) where the speed limit is 65 mph or higher and there's more than 2 lanes in each direction, or the left lane is an HOV lane. But where the speed limit is 55 mph or 60 mph and there's no HOV lane, they are legally permitted in the left lane. Now granted, around here in Hampton Roads, I've rarely seen it. They are usually pretty good at sticking to the right. The vast majority of trucks on the highways around here seem to be local port trucks, given the large presence of ports around here and very little freight through traffic. Either way, the truck volumes are always fairly light anyways and the whole trucks micropassing is hardly ever a thing. I suppose that's a nice benefit living in an urban area that's not on a major trucking corridor or through corridor in general.
Here's an unusual one on southbound I-580 in Nevada, through the Washoe Valley between Reno and Carson City, where trucks, RVs, buses and vehicles with trailers over 9 feet in height must use the left lane when indicated by the flashing lights. That's because there can be strong downslope winds coming off the Carson Range just to the west, and the presumption is that the winds would tend to cause tall vehicles to veer to the left, or into the center divider, rather than into the left lane if they were traveling in the right lane. On the northbound side the flashing lights direct those vehicles into the right lane only.
https://goo.gl/maps/DDTxHWdQVLXnRYYd6 (https://goo.gl/maps/DDTxHWdQVLXnRYYd6)
In many cases when the winds are strong, tall vehicles are banned from that stretch of I-580 entirely and are routed over to Alternate US 395.
Quote from: gonealookin on May 08, 2021, 01:21:14 PM
Here's an unusual one on southbound I-580 in Nevada, through the Washoe Valley between Reno and Carson City, where trucks, RVs, buses and vehicles with trailers over 9 feet in height must use the left lane when indicated by the flashing lights. That's because there can be strong downslope winds coming off the Carson Range just to the west, and the presumption is that the winds would tend to cause tall vehicles to veer to the left, or into the center divider, rather than into the left lane if they were traveling in the right lane. On the northbound side the flashing lights direct those vehicles into the right lane only.
https://goo.gl/maps/DDTxHWdQVLXnRYYd6 (https://goo.gl/maps/DDTxHWdQVLXnRYYd6)
In many cases when the winds are strong, tall vehicles are banned from that stretch of I-580 entirely and are routed over to Alternate US 395.
That actually could be seen as a little unfair. Many average drivers will ignore or miss that sign and get angry with truckers for using the left lane, when they don't understand that they are
required to at that moment. The truckers have to choose between following the law or not causing irritation or even road rage.
^ The same is true in those work zones that say trucks use the left lane. IMO, lazy on the DOT's part because if the problem is shifting lanes and the shoulder is weaker, simply harden the shoulder before shifting and problem solved. That's what they do in Virginia.
Seems like most Ontario freeways prohibit trucks in the very left lane if there are more than 2 lanes.
Although I don't really pay attention that much, so idk if that's the case in rural areas, and idk if it's true when there are left exits.
Texas in select 3-lane sections does ban truck traffic in the left lane. In rural sections I don't think it matters much unless you're one of those Euro Yankee types who abhor passing on the right.
Quote from: Big John on May 07, 2021, 09:39:58 PM
On 3-lane in 1 direction Georgia freeways, trucks can't use the left lane.
They also put a sign on pretty much every overcrossing bridge, if I'm not mistaken, like so:
(https://i.imgur.com/qU2syXh.png)
Quote from: interstatefan990 on May 08, 2021, 07:11:24 PM
That actually could be seen as a little unfair. Many average drivers will ignore or miss that sign and get angry with truckers for using the left lane, when they don't understand that they are required to at that moment. The truckers have to choose between following the law or not causing irritation or even road rage.
Look, nobody
causes road rage except the person engaging in road rage. If a person is upset with another driver's behavior, it's that person's choice to either be a patient, safe driver or someone who flips their shit on a whim. People who engage in road rage are responsible for their own actions; drivers whose behavior might annoy them, especially when doing so in accordance with the law, are not.
This shouldn't even have to be said, but here we are.
Quote from: stridentweasel on May 08, 2021, 11:33:30 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on May 08, 2021, 07:11:24 PM
That actually could be seen as a little unfair. Many average drivers will ignore or miss that sign and get angry with truckers for using the left lane, when they don't understand that they are required to at that moment. The truckers have to choose between following the law or not causing irritation or even road rage.
Look, nobody causes road rage except the person engaging in road rage. If a person is upset with another driver's behavior, it's that person's choice to either be a patient, safe driver or someone who flips their shit on a whim. People who engage in road rage are responsible for their own actions; drivers whose behavior might annoy them, especially when doing so in accordance with the law, are not.
This shouldn't even have to be said, but here we are.
Yes, but if situations such as keeping trucks out of the left lane can be done to
avoid the possibility of causing someone to react in a way that endangers other motorists, that's what's he referencing.
I was thinking on a six lane freeway, trucks can only use the right 2 lanes.
Trucks go over in the left lane on a six-lane freeway anyway it don't make any sense they have the right two lanes to ride in and yet they just plop right over in the left lane like they belong there when they really don't.
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 08, 2021, 11:46:08 PM
Trucks go over in the left lane on a six-lane freeway anyway it don't make any sense they have the right two lanes to ride in and yet they just plop right over in the left lane like they belong there when they really don't.
That's how it is in New Jersey.
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 08, 2021, 11:46:08 PM
Trucks go over in the left lane on a six-lane freeway anyway it don't make any sense they have the right two lanes to ride in and yet they just plop right over in the left lane like they belong there when they really don't.
From what I've seen, trucks usually will only use the left most lane on a 6 lane freeway when they're impatiently being held up by slower trucks in both the two lanes. And then usually they get right back over when they finish their outer pass. And if they're that impatient enough to go for the double pass, it's usually not a micro pass, it's decently quick and over with.
But that's my experience. Yours could very.
From what I've seen of GDOT standards, trucks are supposed to be banned from all but the right 2 lanes whenever there are 3 or more lanes in the same direction. For example, a 10 lane freeway (5 each way), trucks should be banned from the left 3 lanes. But in practice, what I usually see is trucks being banned from the left 2 lanes while being permitted to use the right 3 or more lanes.
Trucks always must use the right most lanes here. 3+ lanes in one direction they are allowed at least 2 right lanes.
Quote from: ET21 on May 10, 2021, 04:46:18 PM
Trucks always must use the right most lanes here. 3+ lanes in one direction they are allowed at least 2 right lanes.
Same here with Indiana. Trucks have to use the right two lanes on 3-lane sections. The only place that I've seen trucks have to use the right 2 lanes on 4+ lane sections is on I-80/94, and that was a more recent change.
We have implemented it in Florida on parts of I-4 and I-95, but some truckers ignore it and drive anyway where they are not wanted.
youd hardly notice they dont obey
I-15 is filled with "NO VEHICLES OVER 12000 GVW IN LEFT 2 LANES" (https://goo.gl/maps/12Bj6env9Z3bzM4c9) and "NO VEHICLES TOWING TRAILERS IN LEFT 2 LANES" (https://goo.gl/maps/3w6mitvnwPgirgxC7) signs throughout the Wasatch Front metropolitan area. In my experience the first one is followed pretty well, but the second one not so much. I see pickups pulling trailers in the left lane on a fairly regular basis.
Quote from: US 89 on May 12, 2021, 06:09:13 PM
I-15 is filled with "NO VEHICLES OVER 12000 GVW IN LEFT 2 LANES" (https://goo.gl/maps/12Bj6env9Z3bzM4c9) and "NO VEHICLES TOWING TRAILERS IN LEFT 2 LANES" (https://goo.gl/maps/3w6mitvnwPgirgxC7) signs throughout the Wasatch Front metropolitan area. In my experience the first one is followed pretty well, but the second one not so much. I see pickups pulling trailers in the left lane on a fairly regular basis.
Not sure of the point on banning vehicles with trailers... if a vehicle can maintain the flow of traffic and is actively passing, I see no reason.
Then again, given the highway speed limits are 70 mph there, I can see reason to not want a vehicle pulling a trailer hauling 75-80+ mph in the left lanes, but then regardless I'm sure it happens anyways.
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 08, 2021, 11:32:52 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on May 08, 2021, 10:17:27 AM
Truck left lane restrictions can also be zone-specific. I have seen several "END LEFT LANE RESTRICTION" signs where the prohibition ended and trucks were once again allowed to use the left lane.
I saw a lot of those along I-75 in Florida. Not sure why they just weren't restricted from the left lane throughout. Likely due to urban areas, but the speed limit remained at 70 mph the whole way.
For the most part its tied to areas that either have left exits or that have exits that have a lot of traffic merging and trucks need to get out of the way to make room for the merging traffic.
Here's a sign that literally says "No Trucks This Lane" for completeness:
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.6194512,-82.3882541,3a,75y,143.54h,105.14t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbd6TS50WvhgYNT4cWLlheg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
So many drivers refuse to use the right lane in Florida when the road is 3 or more lanes, for some unknown reason, so trucks end up using the left lane to pass those who refuse to get out of the center lane even with the restriction. Never seen or heard of anyone getting in trouble for it.
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 12, 2021, 06:50:56 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 12, 2021, 06:09:13 PM
I-15 is filled with "NO VEHICLES OVER 12000 GVW IN LEFT 2 LANES" (https://goo.gl/maps/12Bj6env9Z3bzM4c9) and "NO VEHICLES TOWING TRAILERS IN LEFT 2 LANES" (https://goo.gl/maps/3w6mitvnwPgirgxC7) signs throughout the Wasatch Front metropolitan area. In my experience the first one is followed pretty well, but the second one not so much. I see pickups pulling trailers in the left lane on a fairly regular basis.
Not sure of the point on banning vehicles with trailers... if a vehicle can maintain the flow of traffic and is actively passing, I see no reason.
The same could be said about vehicles over 12000 GVW: as long as they can maintain the flow of traffic, then what's the difference?