A Semi Truck Behavior That’s Frustrating Many Might Soon Be Prohibited | Carscoops

      Michigan is contemplating a ban on semi-trucks using the far left lane on major freeways.

      November 8, 2025 at 15:55

      by Chris Chilton

      New restrictions may soon be imposed on how semi drivers operate on Michigan's freeways.

      Legislators are preparing to vote on a proposal that would prohibit trucks from traveling in the far left lane.

      Many drivers feel this change could enhance highway safety and improve traffic flow.

      Semi-trucks are essential to the American economy, transporting nearly everything that arrives on store shelves or doorsteps. Although they play a crucial role, they can hinder progress when drivers are in a hurry and find themselves stuck behind one.

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      Michigan is considering a potential solution that may ease the burden on regular drivers and, as its supporters suggest, even increase highway safety.

      Lawmakers in Lansing will soon decide on a bill that would prohibit semis from driving in the far left lane on freeways that have three or more lanes.

      Reasons behind Michigan's Initiative

      Currently, Michigan has a regulation that advises semis to utilize the two rightmost lanes, but this new proposal would specifically ban them from entering the left lane, even for passing.

      Proponents of the bill assert that it would simplify the process for officers to issue citations to violators. If enacted, Michigan would join states like Florida, Virginia, and Illinois, which already limit semis to the middle and right lanes of their freeways.

      “It’s a safety issue because when slower traffic occupies the left lane, it hinders traffic flow, causing drivers to brake and attempt to pass wherever they can, whether on the right or left, as they look to move ahead,” stated William Bruck, State Representative for the 30th District, in remarks reported by ABC7.

      Frustration Among Drivers and Safety Concerns

      Many drivers are eager for the bill to pass—not only because it’s frustrating to be stuck behind a semi that has shifted into the left lane to overtake but then becomes ensnared by the traffic to its right.

      For others, the concern goes beyond mere annoyance. Some find being near trucks intimidating and worry about the potential for accidents if they attempt to switch to the right from the left lane.

      Conversely, not everyone supports this proposed change. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association contends that imposing lane restrictions on trucks is not an effective solution.

      “Research has shown that truck lane restrictions are hard to enforce, lead to faster pavement wear, create speed disparities, and increase merging conflicts and crashes,” the organization stated. If you were to make the decision, how would you vote?