3/17/03-LD172, a bill that would prohibit big rigs from driving in the left lane on multi-lane highways, has died in committee. The measure specifies that on a highway with more than two lanes in the same direction, a commercial motor vehicle is restricted to the right-hand lane. In overtaking and passing, commercial vehicles would be restricted to the next adjacent travel lane and may not use any other lanes except in an emergency.
The Legislature's joint transportation committee rejected the bill.

3/5/03-Under LD172, big rigs would be prohibited from driving in the left lane on multi-lane highways.
The measure, sponsored by Rosita Gagne-Friel, D-Buckfield, specifies that on a highway with more than two lanes in the same direction, a commercial motor vehicle is restricted to the right-hand lane. In overtaking and passing, commercial vehicles are "restricted to the next adjacent travel lane and may not use any other lanes except in an emergency," Gagne-Friel wrote.
The bill is in the Legislature's joint transportation committee. It is vital you contact the committee members to let them know what lane restrictions would mean to road safety.
For contact information, visit http://janus.state.me.us/house/jt_com/tra.htm, or call OOIDA's membership department at 1-800-444-5791 and they'll look it up.
For bill status, call 1-800-301-3178 or (207) 287-1692.