4/29/02-Prior to the March adjournment, Utah lawmakers passed SB52 to prohibit tractor-trailers from driving in the left lane of three-lane highways in certain areas. The bill allows the state Transportation Department or local authorities to designate specific lanes of travel for any type of vehicle on a highway or portion of a highway under their jurisdiction. Any driver found in violation of the restriction will be charged with a misdemeanor.

Some exceptions apply.

Legislators also passed a bill to protect highway patrol and other emergency personnel during roadside stops. HB235 requires drivers of all highway vehicles to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle, tow truck or highway maintenance vehicle.

2/20/02-SB52 would prohibit tractor-trailers from driving in the left lane of three-lane highways in certain areas. Any driver found in violation of the restriction would be charged with a misdemeanor. The bill, introduced in January by Sen. Dan Eastman (R-Bountiful), would allow the Utah Department of Transportation or local authorities to designate specific lanes of travel for any type of vehicle on a highway or portion of a highway under their jurisdiction. The bill passed the Senate and has been sent to the House transportation committee. The bill status number for the Utah House is (801) 538-1029.

2/5/02 -- A bill introduced last month in the Utah Legislature is designed to protect highway patrol and other emergency personnel during roadside stops. Rep. Paul Ray (R-Clearfield) is sponsoring HB235, which would require drivers of all highway vehicles to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle, tow truck or highway maintenance vehicle parked by the road with their lights flashing. The bill requires drivers to merge into the furthest lane away from an emergency vehicle, if practical, with regard to safety and traffic conditions. The bill also requires all drivers to yield the right of way and move toward the right-hand edge or curb of the highway and stop upon the approach of an emergency vehicle using audible or visual signals. HB235 has passed the House and has been sent to the Senate Transportation and Public Safety Committee. The general information number for the Utah House is (801) 538-1029.

1/25/02-A bill is making its way through the Utah Legislature that would prohibit tractor-trailers from driving in the left lane of three-lane highways in certain areas. Any driver found in violation of the restriction would be charged with a misdemeanor.

SB52, introduced earlier this month by Sen. Dan Eastman (R-Bountiful), would allow the Utah Department of Transportation or local authorities to designate specific lanes of travel for any type of vehicle on a highway or portion of a highway under their jurisdiction.

The bill passed the Senate Jan. 25 and has been sent to the House for consideration. The bill status number for the Utah House is (801) 538-1029.