Date: May 23, 2025
Michigan Moves to Ban Semi-Trucks from Left Lane
A new bill making its way through the Michigan legislature could soon limit how and where truckers use highway lanes — with a direct focus on improving traffic flow and safety.
What the Bill Proposes
House Bill 4522, introduced by Representative William Bruck, aims to restrict commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs. from using the far-left lane on highways with three or more lanes in one direction.
This would apply to:
- Truck tractors
- Semis with trailers
- Other combination vehicles
The motivation behind the proposal? Reduce congestion caused by slower-moving trucks in the passing lane and help prevent rear-end collisions and sudden lane changes around them.
Exceptions to the Rule
The bill allows truckers to enter the left lane in specific situations:
- Preparing for or making a left-hand turn
- Avoiding road hazards, debris, or obstructions
- Following posted traffic signs that allow left-lane use
Construction Zone Details
If construction reduces a highway to just two lanes, trucks would need to stay in the right lane unless:
- Road or weather conditions make the left lane safer
- Signage indicates otherwise
Strong Bipartisan Support
This legislation isn’t one-sided — it has 24 co-sponsors, including:
- 16 Republicans
- 8 Democrats
Supporters say it will ease congestion and protect motorists from dangerous lane interactions with heavy trucks, especially in high-speed zones.
Industry Concerns
Not everyone’s on board. Some in the trucking community argue:
- These rules could create bottlenecks, especially at exits and ramps
- Merging may become more difficult in urban areas with tight traffic patterns
- Trucks need left-lane access in emergencies or unexpected backups
What Comes Next
The bill is currently under review by Michigan’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. If it passes, it will bring significant changes to how truckers operate across Michigan’s highway system.
Stay tuned to ExtraTransportation.com for updates as this legislation moves forward.