6/5/08-A bill has died that was intended to keep most traffic out of the left lane on the state’s multi-lane highways.
Tennessee law now mandates vehicles traveling slower than 55 mph on interstates and four-lane controlled-access highways to stay out of the far left lane. Trucks also are restricted to right lanes on designated areas of highways with three or more lanes in each direction where signage is posted. The only exception is for passing slower vehicles – one at a time.
Sponsored by Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, SB3816 remained in the Senate Transportation Committee when the regular session ended.
The bill sought to require car and truck drivers to stay to the right. Violators would have faced fines up to $50.
Vehicles still would have been allowed to use the left lane to pass or overtake slower moving vehicles or when traffic flow requires it. Making room for emergency vehicles parked along the roadside also would have been allowed.
The House companion bill – HB3385 – also died.

2/8/08-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee is intended to keep most traffic out of the left lane on the state’s multi-lane highways.
Tennessee law now mandates vehicles traveling slower than 55 mph on interstates and four-lane controlled-access highways to stay out of the far left lane. Trucks also are restricted to right lanes on designated areas of highways with three or more lanes in each direction where signage is posted. The only exception is for passing slower vehicles – one at a time.
Sponsored by Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, SB3816 would require car and truck drivers to stay to the right. Violators would face fines up to $50.
Vehicles still would be allowed to use the left lane to pass or overtake slower moving vehicles or when traffic flow requires it. Making room for emergency vehicles parked along the roadside also would be allowed.
The House companion bill – HB3385 – is awaiting assignment to committee.
For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.