5/18/04-A bill that would have created a split speed limit and restricted tractor-trailers to the right lane only on all turnpikes, interstates and four-lane divided highways in the state has died.
SB1151, sponsored by Sen. James Williamson, R-Tulsa, was rejected by the full Senate March 8 on a 22-19 vote. It previously passed the Senate Transportation Committee.
The bill called for dropping the speed limit for truck-tractors by 10 mph less than the posted speed limit on all interstate highways. All other vehicles would have been permitted to continue to drive at current limits.
The lane provision provided for a truck-tractor to be driven in the left lane “only when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, when the truck-tractor does not impede traffic, and passing can be completed within one mile.”
It included an exception for semis to be driven in the center lane on six- and eight-lane highways.