New New Mexico Law Prohibits Left Lane Trucking
Regardless of whether you deliver specifically to a place in New Mexico or use the state as an easement to get somewhere else, it is important that you know this new information. Starting July 1st 2023, which is before the time you are reading this, truckers can be fined for traveling in the left lane of any given highway within New Mexico’s borders.
Details
July 1st is the second most popular day of the year for new laws and regulations to go into effect, as it is the halfway point in any given year (the first, of course, is January 1st). Truckers are forbidden from driving in the leftmost lane on the state’s highways and freeways, with two notable exceptions to the rule:
- The road only has one lane for travel in a specific direction, in which case being in the leftmost lane is the only option.
- The truck is actively passing another vehicle.
Truckers who are found in violation of this rule by the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) will find themselves paying money: $250 for the first two violations and then $500 for every violation thereafter.
This legislation was introduced by state Senator George Munoz in January 2023, stating that having trucks stay in specific lanes meant for slower traffic and enforcing the law through the NMSP will increase safety across the board for all who use the state’s highways and freeways.
Conclusion
If you forget that trucks are to avoid the fast lane in New Mexico, there will be new signage posted along some highways that will remind drivers.
This is not the first time state legislation has applied exclusively to truckers, California imposes a speed limit of 55 miles per hour statewide on them, and it is likely not to be the last.
What are your thoughts on this change? Do you think making trucks more predictable by preventing them from accessing the fastest lane will reduce collisions and traffic fatalities across the board, or do the ends not justify the means? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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