Big Rigs And Rvs, Move Over!

Tired of those 18-wheelers and recreation vehicles blocking the inside lane of the freeway?

A House measure sent to the Senate on Wednesday would ban trucks, weighing more than 10,000 pounds, from the far-left lane on highways with three or more lanes in the same direction.

Sponsor Rep. Karen Schmidt, R-Bainbridge Island, said HB1013, approved on a 92-2 vote, is needed to make the highways safer.

“We have a speed limit difference between passenger cars and trucks or large vehicles. Safety is compromised when larger trucks travel at slower speeds in the far-left lane where cars are passing,” she said.

Trucks could still use the far left lane if they are turning left or if they qualify to use high occupancy vehicle lanes, she said.