Certain restrictions have been put in place to reduce the number of traffic incidents involving semi-trucks in California. These safety regulations help both passenger vehicles and semi-truck drivers by reducing the time that they share on the road. One such precaution is the implementation of truck-only lanes, which is a designation that prevents other vehicles from entering these restricted areas of the road which are meant exclusively for semis, Uhauls, RVs, towing vehicles, and trucks with three or more axles.
Which lanes have this regulation, and how does it work? Take a look at the information below to learn more about restrictions for truck drivers and how statewide regulations are keeping drivers safe on the road.
Truck Lane Regulations
Due to the increasing number of commercial vehicles driving on California roads, truck lane regulations have been enacted as a way to ensure the safety of all drivers. Among these rules are the following restrictions:
- Large vehicles and trucks have a maximum speed limit of 55 MPH on highways
- Trucks must use the far-right lane if there are three or more lanes on a road
- If there are more than four lanes, trucks may use both of the far-right lanes
- Truck-only lanes and sideroads
These regulations have helped create a safer environment for both regular drivers and truck drivers, allowing both parties to maintain distance from each other and create an environment where accidents are less likely to occur.
Commercial Driver Regulations
In addition to the rules that have been put in place by the State of California, drivers of large commercial trucks must also abide by the regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Much like the implementation of truck-only lanes, these rules exist to make the roads as safe as possible and include the following:
- Secure cargo regulations
- Vehicle maintenance and fleet management
- Drug and alcohol screenings for commercial drivers
- Hours-of-service guidelines
- Hazardous material handling
- Use of a digital logging device
- Driver training
Both carriers and their companies must abide by the regulations which have been put in place by the FMCSA. Although failing to adhere to the rules of the FMCSA can result in a fine or a fee, these guidelines create guaranteed parameters for drivers that can make their jobs both easier and safer.
Location of Truck-Only Lanes
As of 2021, two truck-only lanes exist in California. The first of these lanes can be found in Los Angeles on I-5 at the split for State Route 14. This particular road has a dedicated northbound lane for trucks and one that runs southbound. This unique approach to sharing the road is making it easier for drivers of larger vehicles and trucks to navigate the road safely.
In addition to the road off of State Route 14, the second truck-only lane runs southbound on the I-5 in Kern County and can be found at the junction for State Route 99. Ultimately, much like California’s first truck-only lane, the purpose of this road is to have trucks merging and navigating the road away from general traffic, which merges at the intersection of I-5 and Route 99. These dedicated lanes make California a pioneer in developing ways for drivers to safely share the road with larger vehicles.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in California
If you are looking to seek damages after an accident involving a truck, be sure to contact a lawyer who has experience dealing with the court during an automobile collision. At the offices of Setareh Law, we take pride in working closely with our clients to help them build a case that can work out in their favor.
Our team of experienced attorneys will work closely with you to gather information and build your defense. When you’re ready to move on, Setareh Law can help. For your free consultation, call today at 310-659-1826 or reach out to us online.