South Michigan News

A bill sponsored by state Rep. William Bruck (R-Erie) aimed at improving traffic flow and safety on Michigan highways advanced through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday.

House Bill 4522 would require large trucks and tractor-trailers to avoid using the left lane on expressways with three or more lanes. Current law already instructs trucks to keep right except when passing, but Bruck’s proposal is intended to give law enforcement a clearer way to enforce these rules.

“This is a practical plan that offers clarity and makes sense for everyone out on our roadways,” said Bruck. “Limiting slower-moving trucks to the right lanes will help reduce congestion, make our highways easier to navigate and increase safety.”

The legislation includes exceptions allowing trucks in the left lane shortly before making a left turn, when special hazards make another lane safer, or as indicated in construction zones. In areas where construction reduces an expressway to two lanes, trucks would be required to use the rightmost lane.

The Michigan Trucking Association has expressed support for the measure. The bill now heads to the full House for further consideration. A similar proposal from Bruck previously passed in the House with bipartisan backing but was not considered by the Senate.

“Like many of the trucks out on our roadways, this plan has racked up some serious mileage trying to get to the governor’s desk over the past year,” Bruck said. “This is common-sense legislation and I hope it doesn’t get caught up in partisan politics. It is a clear priority to help keep Michigan drivers safer.”