Can Semi Trucks Drive in the Left Lane in Missouri?

Interstate 70 between Kansas City and St. Louis is a major trucking route across Missouri. Tractor-trailers frequently travel I-70 and many other highways across the state.

Semi-trucks are a regular sight throughout Missouri. These giants of the road are anything but gentle, though. If you’re involved in a crash with a semi-truck, you could be permanently injured and unable to work or care for yourself. Even a “minor” truck accident can still cause serious injuries.

Keeping yourself safe on Missouri roadways means driving defensively and learning more about trucking laws, like is driving in the left lane illegal for trucks? If a trucker violates the law, they could be held liable for the accident and your injuries. Our Missouri truck accident lawyers can provide guidance about how to seek maximum compensation for your injuries.

Left Lane Laws for Trucks in Missouri

Can trucks be in the left lane? Let’s look at what the law says.

Missouri state law prohibits trucks registered at more than 48,000 pounds from traveling in the far left-hand lane on highways or interstates with three or more lanes of traffic going in the same direction. The law further defines “truck” as any tractor, machine, trailer, or other vehicle weighing more than the prohibited weight.

So, if a highway or expressway has more than three lanes of traffic, then large trucks must stay out of the far-left lane.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Law?

The main exception to this regulation is if traffic signs indicate that vehicles should use lanes other than the right lanes or if the right half of the highway is closed. If all lanes are open for travel, the trucker must abide by Missouri law on trucks in the left lane.

Why Are Left Lane Restrictions Needed for Large Trucks?

There are several reasons the answer is “no” to the question, “Can semis drive in the left lane?” Preventing trucks from driving in the left lane can:

• Reduce frustration for drivers who are trying to pass in the left lane. Prohibiting slower-moving trucks from being in the far-left lane can help eliminate road rage incidents.
• Keep the left lane free for passing. It’s safer, as it reduces excessive lane-changing.
• Provide a smoother traffic flow and keep slower-moving vehicles, like semis, to the right. Faster-traveling vehicles can maintain their speed in the leftmost lane.
• Protect access for emergency vehicles. A mostly unoccupied far left lane (and often the shoulder beside it) permits fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances to swiftly travel to an accident scene.

About Accidents Involving Trucks in the Left Lane

There are an average of 100 fatal commercial vehicle crashes and over 2,000 non-fatal truck crashes in Missouri annually. The benefit of keeping slow-moving trucks to the right is that it creates a predictable pattern of traffic, which means that drivers may be better able to predict the behavior of other drivers, like truckers, and act accordingly.

Get Help from Our Missouri Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Have you been injured in a semi-truck collision? You could be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent truck driver and other parties. You can learn more in a free case review with a skilled Missouri truck accident lawyer from Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. Call us or contact us online today.