Truck Lane Restrictions in California

California, a state with a vast number of truckers on its roads, has laws limiting which lanes commercial trucks can use. This promotes a safer flow of traffic. When driving on a busy highway in a passenger car, it can be stressful to encounter semi-trucks on the road. The variance in the size and speed of vehicles on the highway can lead to traffic accidents with truck drivers. Truck lane restrictions help to keep motorists safe.

This article discusses California's truck regulations. It also addresses regulations put in place by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Finally, the article discusses California's truck lane restrictions and enforcement of the state's laws.

California Truck Regulations

To keep all motorists safe, California has restrictions regarding truckers. These regulations are detailed in the California Vehicle Code.

California regulates large trucks with three or more axles, including semi-trucks and big rigs, and vehicles towing other vehicles, motor homes, or U-hauls. These larger vehicles are restricted to a speed limit of 55 miles per hour on highways statewide, including in San Diego and Los Angeles.

These regulations are influenced by federal guidelines set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

FMCSA Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a federal body. It regulates and provides standards for the trucking industry across the United States. California trucking companies must follow FMCSA regulations. These regulations cover many areas, ranging from driver qualifications to vehicle maintenance.

Hours of Service

One of the FMCSA's main regulations pertains to hours of service. This rule limits how many hours truck drivers can be on the road without taking breaks.

In California, truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour workday. After that length of time, truckers must rest for 10 consecutive hours. This is to ensure that fatigue doesn't compromise driver safety.

Weight Restrictions

Both California and the FMCSA have regulations on the weight of trucks. Overloading trucks can lead to decreased maneuverability and increased stopping distances. Trucks are regularly inspected at weigh stations throughout the state to ensure that they adhere to these restrictions.

Equipment Standards

Trucks operating in California must meet specific equipment standards. Many of these standards align with the FMCSA's regulations. Among other things, there are standards pertaining to:

• Lighting
• Reflectors
• Tire condition
• Brake systems

Licensing and Training

California requires special commercial licenses for truck drivers. The FMCSA has guidelines about the training and qualifications these drivers must have. A trucking company in California must ensure its drivers have endorsements for the type of cargo they are transporting, including hazardous materials.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

The FMCSA has strict regulations about drug and alcohol use in the trucking industry. Drivers are subjected to random testing. All trucking companies must maintain detailed records of these tests.

Insurance and Liability

Trucking companies in California must carry certain levels of insurance. This is determined by the type of cargo and the truck's size.

For instance, a trucking company that hauls vehicles as its cargo will want to have greater insurance protection to ensure coverage in the event of damage to the expensive cargo.

Lane Restrictions for Trucks

California limits the lanes in which larger, heavier vehicles can travel. Variance in the speed of travelers can cause accidents when vehicles are forced to slow down or change lanes suddenly. For this reason, California doesn't allow slower-moving vehicles to use the left lanes of highways in many circumstances. These lanes are often reserved for passing slower-moving vehicles.

The lanes available to larger vehicles depend on the total number of lanes on the highway. If three or fewer lanes travel in each direction (excluding carpool lanes), trucks must use the far-right lane. Trucks can use the two right-hand lanes if there are four or more lanes in each direction.

California law also requires that any kind of slower-moving vehicle use only the right highway lanes, regardless of size. California's busy Interstate 5, which connects northbound and southbound California, utilizes truck-only lanes, some of the only such lanes in the country, which separate trucks from other vehicles to stabilize traffic flow and make the roads safer.

Enforcement of California's Truck Laws

The California Highway Patrol is responsible for enforcing designated lane restrictions on the many highways throughout the state. If you're driving on a California highway, you may notice specific police vehicles designated as commercial vehicle enforcement. Larger vehicles violating the laws regarding speed and required travel lanes can be ticketed and fined.

Still Have Questions? Speak to a Lawyer

If you have questions about California's trucking laws, regulations, or have been involved in a truck accident, consider speaking with a California attorney. A truck accident lawyer can advise you and offer guidance on your personal injury case.