New Truck Lane Restrictions in Arizona?

Truck lane restrictions are becoming increasingly common along America’s interstates, state highways and toll roads. As of April 2010, a number of states, including Texas, Missouri, Tennessee and Virginia have enacted laws restricting trucks to specific traffic lanes in high-traffic areas. These restrictions commonly appear in well-traveled metro areas where passenger vehicles frequently enter and exit highways. Truck lane restrictions ostensibly address safety concerns about tractor-trailers by taking the largest vehicles out of the highest speed lanes, reducing the chances of cars being boxed in by semi-trucks, and by creating additional space to assist disabled vehicles in emergency lanes.

Motorists’ Concerns Prompt House Bill 2300

Arizona is another state in which truck lane restrictions are being considered. State Representative Steve Farley (D-Tucson), introduced legislation that would require semi-trucks weighing 26,000 pounds or more (or pulling trailers weighing 6,000 pounds or more) to operate in the farthest right lane, or in the lane immediately to the left of that lane, unless otherwise posted. Introduced as House Bill 2300, it was proposed as an effort to “facilitate the safe and orderly movement” of traffic on Arizona highways.

Representative Farley testified about the dangers of being boxed in by semi-trucks on the freeway, stating that, “You see the danger and you feel the danger at times when you’re driving it. Whether it’s being trapped in the middle between two or three trucks, or being stuck behind three trucks all trying to pass each other.”

Current law allows the Arizona Department of Transportation or a local authority to implement lane restrictions after conducting a proper investigation of the roadway in question.

Opposition to the Proposed Truck Lane Restrictions

Despite the proposed safety benefits, truckers and transportation groups voiced concern over future traffic problems and safety issues as trucks attempt to enter and exit highways. Karen Rasmussen, CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association told the Phoenix Business Journal that she opposed the bill as it came out of the House of Representatives arguing that her organization believed that lane restrictions actually created safety problems for vehicles merging off and onto freeways.

The Owner Operators Independent Drivers Association also expressed concern over the proposed restrictions stating that they are unnecessary. The OOIDA noted that Arizona law already requires slow traffic to stay to the right. Truckers do not want to be restricted to slow lanes (which are frequently subject to traffic jams) simply because they drive large vehicles. If a truck would not exit because of its route, it should be able to stay in a clear lane.

Further, the Arizona Department of Transportation was concerned that the bill did not allow it to conduct safety studies to determine if the lane restrictions were appropriate. As with speed restriction in Arizona, ADOT has normally conducted studies to obtain scientific evidence before recommending changes to lane usage.

With all the negative feedback from the trucking lobbies, the bill sponsors agreed to a floor amendment to HB 2300 that would mandate ADOT to complete a study on I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson to determine the potential safety impact lane restrictions would have. They also scuttled plans to vote immediately on truck lane restrictions.

Future Prospects of Truck Lane Restriction in Arizona

At this point, it is unknown whether ADOT’s study is likely to lead to permanent lane restrictions for trucks traveling along I-10. Studies from some states have shown considerable safety benefits in limiting the potential for accidents, while others show an increase in accidents. A 2006 study in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metro area showed that lane restrictions reduced accidents. However, a similar study in Virginia showed that more accidents occurred in high-volume areas with truck lane restrictions, as opposed to similar areas without such restrictions. ADOT will likely consider its own study results, traffic flow data and safety surveys before making recommendations on permanent lane restrictions.

For those who travel on I-10 daily and for those who are injured or lose a family member in a trucking accident, these considerations may bring small comfort. If you need legal advice after an accident involving a semi, tractor-trailer or large commercial vehicle, contact an experienced trucking accident lawyer to discuss your options.