Georgia Laws For Commercial Vehicle Operation On Multi-Lane Highways

The Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division 

According to the Georgia Department of Public safety, the Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations that govern a vehicle’s size, as well as vehicle weight (n.d.). The MCCD also conducts safety inspections of commercial vehicles and adopts and enforces driver and vehicle safety regulations. The MCCD has reminded us to share the following reminder with you regarding commercial vehicle operations on multi-lane highways in Atlanta, Georgia:
 
There has been an increase throughout GA of many operators of commercial vehicles ignoring the Georgia traffic law relative to traffic lane usage. Please, take heed, convictions for violation of Georgia's lane usage may adversely affect your Commercial Driver's License. Drive safely, abide by the law, and keep your C.D.L. The following will define what regulations are being disregarded and will speak to any exceptions.

Are Semi-Trucks Allowed In The Left Lane?

(O.C.G.A. 40-6-52)

• A "truck" is defined as any vehicle equipped with more than six wheels except buses and motorcoaches.
• On roads, streets, or highways with three or more lanes allowing for movement in the same direction, it shall be unlawful for any truck to operate in any lanes other than the two most right-hand lanes, except when the truck is preparing for a left turn.
• On roads, streets, or highways with two lanes allowing for movement in the same direction, it shall be unlawful for any truck to operate in the left-hand lane, except when the truck is actually overtaking and passing another vehicle or preparing for a left turn.

I-285 Atlanta Bypass Law

(O.C.G.A. 40-6-51)

• Truck traffic is not allowed inside the perimeter of Atlanta. All trucks traveling on I-75, I-85, or I-20 must take I-285 around the city, except for the following reasons:
  • Pick up or delivery to or from a shipper physically located inside I-285;
  • Going to or from the carrier's terminal facilities physically located inside I-285;
  • Going to or from a repair facility for service which is physically located inside I-285;
  • A driver going to or from his residence located within the perimeter.

It is important to take note of these laws that are created with safety of the commercial and personal driver in mind. In summary, it is unlawful for trucks, or any vehicle equipped with more than six wheels (except buses and motorcoaches), to drive in any lanes other than the two most right-hand lanes on roadways with three or more lanes moving in the same direction, except when the truck is preparing for a left turn. Also, on roadways with two lanes that move in the same direction, it is unlawful for trucks to drive in the left-hand lane, except when the truck is passing another vehicle or preparing for a left turn. In addition, truck traffic is not allowed inside the perimeter and must take I-285 unless the following situations occur: the driver is picking up or delivering to or from a shipper located inside the I-285, the driver is going to or from the carrier’s terminal facilities or repair facilities for service that are located within the perimeter, or if the driver is going to or from their residence located within I-285.

MCCD-Roles and responsibilities. (n.d.). Georgia Department of Public Safety. https://dps.georgia.gov/mccd-roles-and-responsibilities