Georgia Truck Lane Restrictions

Which lanes a truck can use in Georgia

Georgia keeps trucks out of the left lanes on multilane roads (O.C.G.A. 40-6-52). If your rig runs on more than six wheels, stay in the two right-hand lanes on any road with three or more lanes each way. Move left only to set up a left turn. On a two-lane-each-way road the left lane is for passing or turning left. The fine runs around $107 to $165 plus 3 points and varies by county. Through trucks around Atlanta also have to take the I-285 bypass instead of running I-75, I-85, or I-20 through the middle.

Roads, exceptions, and signs

• Where it applies: All roads with three or more lanes in the same direction get the two-right-lanes rule. On two-lane-each-way roads the left lane is only for passing or turning left. On interstates with four or more lanes each way, GDOT may post specific lane designations. Separate Atlanta rule: through trucks on I-75, I-85, and I-20 must divert to the I-285 perimeter bypass unless they are picking up or delivering, heading to a terminal, going for repair, or driving home inside the perimeter.
• Statewide by statute. GDOT also posts lane designations on some interstates and the I-285 through-truck bypass signs around Atlanta.
• General rule: General rule is drive on the right and keep right if slower than traffic (O.C.G.A. 40-6-40); the 40-6-52 truck rule is the operative restriction.
• The Atlanta I-285 through-truck routing is heavily enforced and separate from the statewide two-right-lanes rule. Fines swing by county because of local court costs and the O.C.G.A. 15-21-79 surcharge.

What a lane violation costs

Around $107 to $165 plus 3 points. It is a misdemeanor, and the exact amount varies by county with surcharges.

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