The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) allows a semi-trailer to weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The lengths of these big rigs might vary. However, some of them are more than 70 feet long. Are semi-trucks allowed to drive in the left lane?
Given the massive size of these machines, there’s a high likelihood of a catastrophe if one of them collides with a passenger vehicle. With that in mind, California has put legislation in place about which lanes of traffic a semi-truck driver can operate a large truck.
The 55 mph Speed Limit for Big Rigs
CVC 23406 sets the speed limit for trucks with three or more axles at 55 mph. That speed limit doesn’t exist to inconvenience semi-truck drivers. It was set for purposes of the health and safety of other drivers, their passengers, and anybody else on or about the roadway. Try stopping an 80,000-pound vehicle in an emergency. Firstly, even on dry pavement, that vehicle is going to take at least 20% more pavement to stop. Wet pavement requires more pavement. There’s a dramatically higher chance of the truck driver losing control of the vehicle too.
Lanes for Vehicles With a 55 mph Limit
As a semi-trailer can only drive up to 55 mph, they must operate in lanes designated for slower moving vehicles. Under CVC 21655, if specific traffic lanes are not designated on a clearly marked highway having four or more lanes of traffic in one direction, a semi-trailer can use the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, unless otherwise prohibited. For example, if a big rig driver is passing another vehicle that is traveling in the same direction, the semi-truck driver must use either the designated lane, the lane immediately left of the right lane, or the right lane of traffic. Moreover, it’s important to note that section 21655 doesn’t apply to a semi-truck driver in these circumstances:
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They are preparing to make a left or right turn
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Entering into or exiting from a highway
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If they must drive in a lane other than the right lane to continue on their intended route
Slower Moving Vehicles
CVC 21654(a) addresses slower-moving vehicles and the right lane. It says that if a vehicle is moving slower than the flow of traffic moving in the same direction, that vehicle must operate in the right lane. The exception is when the vehicle is passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction, or when preparing to turn left.
Big Rig Drivers Can Cause Severe Injuries or Wrongful Death
Remember that all federal and California traffic laws aim to protect the health and safety of the public. It’s highly likely that if you’re in a moderate to a high-speed accident with a semi-trailer, injuries will be severe to fatal.
Contact our California truck accident lawyer here at Maison Law for a free consultation and case review if:
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You experienced an injury in a semi-truck accident
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You lost a family member in such a crash
If either event happened anywhere in California, contact us. After answering your questions and advising you of your legal alternatives, you can retain us to represent you. We work on a contingency fee basis and don’t require money up-front.
Contact a Truck Accident Injury Attorney
After a big rig accident involving a serious injury in the Central Valley, contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, and get honest advice and the personalized attention to detail their case deserves.
