We are seeing an upsurge in drivers of commercial motor vehicles being charged with violation of OCGA § 40-6-52 in Franklin County and Hart County in Georgia. Many of the drivers we have spoken to seem surprised and dismayed with the ticket.  

This is a law that has been on the books in Georgia since 2004.  It sets the rules for which lanes trucks can drive in on certain roads in the state.

A truck under the statute is a vehicle equipped with more than six wheels, except buses and motorcoaches.

On roads, streets or highways  with three or more lanes running in the same direction, trucks generally must remain in the two most right-hand lanes except when the truck is preparing for a left turn.

On roads, streets, or highways with two lanes running in the same direction, trucks must generally remain in the right-hand lane except when the truck is actually overtaking and passing another vehicle.

On certain posted sections of interstate highways, the DOT can designate which lanes prohibit or allow truck usage.  There must be signage indicating those limitations. Where such usage is posted, it would be a violation to be in a lane other than one allowed by the signs.

In the recent cases that we have seen, trucks have been in the left-hand lane but may not have been in the act of passing another vehicle.

CDL drivers need to take note and be careful about their lane usage in northeast Georgia.