5/12/10-Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a bill Monday, May 10, that called for a safety study of keeping trucks to the right on a portion of Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson and other non-urbanized areas with three or more lanes in each direction.
Brewer said in her veto statement that the study was unnecessary.
“This bill (HB2300) was introduced to look at improving the efficiency and safety of our highway system, however it is unnecessary and duplicative at this time,” Brewer wrote.
Arizona law already limits slow traffic to the right. Brewer said with the state coping with restricted budgets, it is important for agencies whose primary mission is highway and public safety to do what they are already responsible for doing.
She also pointed out that the Arizona Department of Transportation continues to look at whether vehicle lane restrictions would improve safety and congestion on the I-10 corridor.

4/30/10-A bill headed to Gov. Jan Brewer’s desk that is intended to eventually require trucks to stay to the right on some roadways.
The Senate voted 46-12 on Wednesday, April 28, to advance a bill to the governor that would authorize a safety study of keeping trucks to the right on a portion of Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson and other non-urbanized areas with three or more lanes in each direction. House lawmakers voted 21-8 early in the week to approve the amended bill.
Arizona law already limits slow traffic to the right.
As introduced, HB2300 called for limiting lane use for trucks weighing at least 26,000 pounds or trucks pulling trailers weighing 6,000 pounds or more. Roadways affected were specified as those with three or more lanes in each direction.
For bill status, call 602-926-4221. In Arizona, call 800-352-8404.

4/8/10-The Senate Public Safety and Human Services Committee voted unanimously Wednesday, April 7, to advance a bill that would keep large trucks to the right on certain roadways – as long as changes are made.
Concern about what a lane restriction might mean for highway safety has spurred Rep. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, to commit to turning his bill into a study effort.
As introduced, HB2300 called for limiting lane use for trucks weighing at least 26,000 pounds or trucks pulling trailers weighing 6,000 pounds or more. Roadways affected would be those with three or more lanes in each direction.
Trucks would be required to stay in the farthest right-hand lane or in the lane immediately to the left of that lane unless otherwise posted. But, after getting negative feedback from the likes of the Arizona Department of Transportation and state trucking association Farley opted to turn the legislation into a study bill focused on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson.
Arizona law already limits slow traffic to the right.
The bill now moves to the Senate floor. If senators pass the bill it would head back to the House for approval of changes.
For bill status, call 602-926-4221. In Arizona, call 800-352-8404.

4/5/10-The House voted 51-6 to advance a bill to the Senate that would limit lane use for trucks weighing at least 26,000 pounds or trucks pulling trailers weighing 6,000 pounds or more. Roadways affected would be those with three or more lanes in each direction.
Sponsored by Rep. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, HB2300 would require trucks to stay in the farthest right-hand lane or in the lane immediately to the left of that lane unless otherwise posted.
The Arizona Department of Transportation would be responsible for posting signs at “reasonable intervals” to give notice of the regulations.
The bill is awaiting consideration in the Senate Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Public Debt Committee.
For bill status, call 602-926-4221. In Arizona, call 800-352-8404.