No Trucks In Left Lane Laws By State (2025)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
- Why Can't Trucks Drive in the Left Lane in Some States?
- Why Are No-Trucks-in-Left-Lane Laws in Place?
- Policy and Legislative Debates on Truck Lane Restrictions
- Dangers of Trucks Being in the Left Lane
- Left Lane Laws by State
- Federal and State Perspectives on Left Lane Laws
- Legal Consequences for Trucks Driving in the Left Lane
- Using Caution Around Trucks in the Left Lane
- Have You Been Harmed in a Truck Accident?
What is the no trucks in left lane law? Quick Answer
- Many states have "no trucks in left lane" laws to reduce traffic congestion and prevent accidents. These laws often apply to commercial trucks over a certain weight or axle count. Violations may support a personal injury claim if a crash occurs. Rules vary by state, so check local regulations when driving.
Summary
- Many states and localities have “no trucks in left lane” laws
- These laws work to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents
- If a truck in the wrong lane causes a crash, you could pursue compensation
Getting stuck behind a semitruck in heavy traffic can be very frustrating. You might wonder — can trucks drive in the left lane? That depends on the state. Here’s a look at each state's no trucks in left lane laws.
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Why Can't Trucks Drive in the Left Lane in Some States?
No trucks in left lane laws are intended to prevent truck accidents and encourage the flow of traffic. There are several reasons for these laws, such as:
- Trucks have the biggest blind spot on the right
- Because the left lane is a designated passing lane, truckers will expect cars to pass on the left
- Trucks can block other drivers’ views of road signs, making car accidents more likely
- Trucks tend to be slower, so trucks in the left lane can impede the flow of traffic
Laws restricting lane use may also make it easier to recover compensation in the event of a truck accident lawsuit. If a truck illegally in the left lane causes a crash, you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
Why Are No-Trucks-in-Left-Lane Laws in Place?
Trucks accelerate more slowly than automobiles because they weigh more. Moreover, trucking companies use electronic devices to limit a truck’s maximum speed and monitor its fuel consumption. As a result, many trucks and truck drivers are limited in how quickly they can pass other vehicles.
Since their ability to pass other vehicles is limited, trucks can obstruct traffic when they travel in the left lane. As a result, they can worsen road congestion and pose a safety hazard, leading to motor vehicle accidents.
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Policy and Legislative Debates on Truck Lane Restrictions
Most states do not restrict which lanes a truck may use. When state or local governments debate such laws, they often start the discussion about whether such a law is needed, given that slower vehicles are typically already banned from the passing lanes.
Moreover, restricting which lanes a truck can use may impact commerce because drivers will avoid those roads or only use them when there is no traffic.
Dangers of Trucks Being in the Left Lane
Trucks in the left lane pose a few safety risks. First, trucks have large blind spots on their right side. A driver must use the passenger side mirror to see down the entire length of their trailer. Smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles, could be easily overlooked, leading to motorcycle accidents.
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Left Lane Laws by State
With that in mind, is it illegal for trucks to drive in the left lane? The answer depends on which state you’re driving through. Most states have a law that requires all vehicles to stay in the right lane when going slower than the average traffic speed. However, some states have additional lane restrictions for trucks.
So what lanes can semitrucks drive in exactly? Take a closer look at each state’s “no trucks in left lane” laws.
| State | Overview of Laws | State | Overview of Laws | State | Overview of Laws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No additional rules for trucks | Louisiana | No additional rules for trucks | Ohio | No additional rules for trucks |
| Alaska | No additional rules for trucks | Maine | No additional rules for trucks | Oklahoma | No additional rules for trucks |
| Arizona | Trucks over 26,000 pounds or pulling pole trailers over 6,000 pounds must drive in designated lanes | Maryland | No additional rules for trucks | Oregon | Campers, vehicles with trailers, and trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or more must stay in the right lane unless passing, turning, or allowing traffic to merge |
| Arkansas | Trucks with more than two axles may not use the leftmost lane on six-lane interstates; no vehicles may impede traffic in the left lane | Massachusetts | Commercial trucks weighing more than 2.5 tons must use the far-right lane; they may use the adjacent lane to pass and the leftmost lane only in emergencies | Pennsylvania | Trucks 10,000 pounds or more may not be in the left lane on a highway with three or more lanes unless turning |
| California | Trucks with three or more axles or those trailering a vehicle must use designated lanes; if no lane is designated, they must use the right lane (or second-to-right on a road with at least four lanes) | Michigan | Trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds must use two right lanes on roads with three or more lanes unless turning | Rhode Island | No additional rules for trucks |
| Colorado | On roads with a speed limit of 65 mph or above, the left lane is only for passing or turning | Minnesota | No additional rules for trucks | South Carolina | No additional rules for trucks |
| Connecticut | Commercial vehicles can’t use far-left lanes on roads with more than two lanes | Mississippi | No additional rules for trucks | South Dakota | No additional rules for trucks |
| Delaware | No additional rules for trucks | Missouri | Trucks weighing more than 48,000 pounds may not use the left lane on roads with three or more lanes | Tennessee | Trucks must obey any highway signs restricting lane usage |
| Florida | No additional rules for trucks | Montana | No additional rules for trucks | Texas | Trucks must obey signs limiting lane use |
| Georgia | Except for motor coaches and buses, vehicles with more than six wheels must use designated lanes and may only use the left lane to pass or turn | Nebraska | No additional rules for trucks | Utah | Vehicles with trailers or those exceeding 12,000 pounds must stay out of left lanes on highways unless passing, turning, or letting traffic merge |
| Hawaii | No additional rules for trucks | Nevada | No additional rules for trucks | Vermont | No additional rules for trucks |
| Idaho | No additional rules for trucks | New Hampshire | No additional rules for trucks | Virginia | Except for buses, commercial vehicles may not drive in the left lane on highways with more than two lanes and a speed limit of at least 65 miles per hour |
| Illinois | No additional rules for trucks | New Jersey | Trucks 10,000 pounds or more may not be in the leftmost lane on roads with three or more lanes unless turning | Washington | Trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds may not use the left lane on roads with three or more lanes unless turning; they may not use the left lane on two-lane roads unless passing or turning |
| Indiana | Trucks must use the far-right lane, or two right lanes if three or more lanes are available, unless passing or turning | New Mexico | No additional rules for trucks | West Virginia | No additional rules for trucks |
| Iowa | No additional rules for trucks | New York | No additional rules for trucks | Wisconsin | No additional rules for trucks |
| Kansas | No additional rules for trucks | North Carolina | No additional rules for trucks | Wyoming | No additional rules for trucks |
| Kentucky | No additional rules for trucks | North Dakota | No additional rules for trucks |
Federal and State Perspectives on Left Lane Laws
Although interstate trucking falls under federal laws, traffic laws fall squarely within the state’s jurisdiction. When the U.S. government wants a new traffic law, it must push the states to pass it.
For example, states have a uniform 0.08% blood-alcohol content limit for DUI because the federal government threatened to cut highway funding to any state that adopted a higher legal alcohol limit.
However, states can pass any traffic laws that do not interfere with interstate commerce. Thus, each state can balance its safety and commercial interests to determine whether to pass a left-lane law.
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Legal Consequences for Trucks Driving in the Left Lane
A violation of left lane restrictions is usually treated as a traffic infraction. This means the driver and their employer may face a fine, but no one will serve time in jail.
Using Caution Around Trucks in the Left Lane
In states that allow trucks in the left lane, you can reduce your odds of an accident in a few ways. First, do not pass trucks on the right. Drivers do not expect to be passed on the right, so they might not spot you.
Second, do not tailgate trucks in the left lane. Trucks have a longer stopping distance. As a result, truck drivers will brake earlier than an automobile driver in the same circumstances. If you are too close, you can rear-end the truck.
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Have You Been Harmed in a Truck Accident?
These no trucks in left lane laws aim to reduce the risk of backups and make crashes less likely. Unfortunately, accidents involving commercial trucks are far from impossible, even with these laws in effect. If you’ve been hurt by a trucker in the wrong lane, it’s vital to contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn your legal options.
Not sure how to find a lawyer? ConsumerShield can help. We match people like you with skilled local attorneys. Fill out our contact form to get started with a free case review today!
Truck Accident Knowledge Base
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Left Lane Law
Frequently Asked Questions
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This depends on the location. Many states have laws that only allow trucks to use the left lane for passing, and some prohibit trucks from using the lane altogether.
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Many states restrict truck drivers’ ability to drive in the left lane to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the flow of traffic isn’t impeded.
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When passing a semitruck, you should always pass in the left lane because the left lane is a designated passing lane, and trucks have the biggest blind spot on the right side.
