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California Vehicle Code Section 21655 bars large commercial vehicles from using certain lanes on multi-lane highways. These limits matter for safety. They also matter for fault when a commercial truck’s improper lane use contributes to an accident. A truck driver who illegally uses a restricted lane and causes an accident can be held liable under negligence per se for the Vehicle Code violation.
Key Takeaways
- California Vehicle Code Section 21655 requires vehicles subject to the state’s commercial vehicle speed regulations that cannot travel at the posted highway speed to use the right-hand lane, or as close to the right edge as practicable
- On a divided highway with four or more marked lanes in one direction of travel, those vehicles may also use the lane immediately to the left of the right-hand lane
- Where Caltrans or a local authority has designated and signed a specific lane for reduced-speed vehicles under CVC Section 21655, trucks must use that designated lane
- A truck that violates CVC Section 21655’s lane restrictions and causes or contributes to an accident can create negligence per se liability under California Evidence Code Section 669
- California Vehicle Code Section 21654 separately requires slow-moving vehicles in general to use the right-hand lane and yield to faster-moving traffic
- California’s two-year statute of limitations (CCP Section 335.1) applies to truck accident injury claims
Nicky C
I can't explain in this short review how much Damoun and his team mean to us, but I'll try. My husband was in a near fatal motor cycle accident. He was T-boned by a pick up truck 4 months after we had our baby girl. The stress, fear and sadness I felt could not be measured I had no idea what to do or what happened. I'm so lucky we connected with Damoun and his group. It was a weekend and of course he was working lol. They really took care of us and put our minds at ease. The care and love they give their clients is unreal and I still can't believe how lucky we were to find them. Please if you need help, want someone who cares and will work for you this is the group. Damoun Yazdi you are amazing and so is your group we love you guys. Thank you for changing our lives for the better and for caring.
California Truck Lane Restrictions: CVC Section 21655
California Vehicle Code Section 21655 provides that vehicles subject to the state’s Section 22406 reduced-speed requirements, which include large trucks that cannot maintain highway speed, must be driven in the right-hand lane or as close as practicable to the right edge of the roadway. On a divided highway with four or more marked lanes in one direction, those vehicles may also use the lane immediately to the left of the right-hand lane. In practical terms, large commercial trucks on most Southern California freeways are limited to the two right-most lanes.
Caltrans and local authorities may also designate a specific lane for these vehicles when an engineering and traffic study shows it will improve safety, and once that lane is marked with signs, trucks must use it. This is the legal basis for the truck lane signage seen on many California freeways.
How Lane Restriction Violations Affect Accident Liability
When a commercial truck is illegally occupying a restricted lane in violation of CVC Section 21655 and causes or contributes to an accident, the violation can establish negligence per se under Evidence Code Section 669. The truck driver, and the trucking company under the respondeat superior doctrine, can be held liable for the resulting damages. Attorney Yazdi obtains electronic logging device data and dashcam footage to document the truck’s lane position at the time of the crash.
Contact The Accident Network Law Group
If a commercial truck’s improper lane use contributed to your accident, The Accident Network Law Group can help you document the violation and pursue the driver and the trucking company. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover for you, and your initial consultation is free. Our team serves Costa Mesa, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Bakersfield, Victorville, and the rest of Southern California. Se habla espanol.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact The Accident Network Law Group for advice about your individual situation.
