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Truck Lane Rule No. MD Posted truck rule

Maryland Truck Lane Restrictions

Maryland has no statewide truck-lane ban, but posted signs are binding. Md. Transp. 21-309(f) says a truck, tractor, trailer, or bus on a road with two or more lanes each way must obey any lane-designation sign, so where MDOT SHA posts 'Trucks Use Right Lane,' you follow it. Elsewhere it's the general keep-right rule (21-301(b)).

Rule typePosted only
The ruleNo blanket statewide truck-lane ban, but Md. Transp. 21-309
FineA traffic violation with a court-set fine; the posted sign carries the force of law.
StatuteMd. Transp. 21-309(f); 21-301(b)
01 The rule

Which lanes a truck can use in Maryland

Maryland has no statewide truck-lane ban, but posted signs are binding. Md. Transp. 21-309(f) says a truck, tractor, trailer, or bus on a road with two or more lanes each way must obey any lane-designation sign, so where MDOT SHA posts 'Trucks Use Right Lane,' you follow it. Elsewhere it's the general keep-right rule (21-301(b)).

02 Where & when

Roads, exceptions, and signs

03 Penalties

What a lane violation costs

A traffic violation with a court-set fine; the posted sign carries the force of law.

Maryland Truck Lane FAQ

Can a truck drive in the left lane in Maryland?
Not as a cruising lane. No blanket statewide truck-lane ban, but Md. Transp. 21-309(f) makes posted truck-lane signs binding: on a road with two or more lanes each way, a truck, tractor, trailer, or bus must obey any lane-designation device. Where MDOT SHA posts a 'Trucks Use Right Lane' (R4-5) sign, trucks must follow it.. See Md. Transp. 21-309(f); 21-301(b). You may still use it to pass, turn left, or when directed.
Is there a truck lane restriction in Maryland?
Yes. No blanket statewide truck-lane ban, but Md. Transp. 21-309(f) makes posted truck-lane signs binding: on a road with two or more lanes each way, a truck, tractor, trailer, or bus must obey any lane-designation device. Where MDOT SHA posts a 'Trucks Use Right Lane' (R4-5) sign, trucks must follow it. It applies on Signed corridors on multi-lane highways. Applies where posted, not statewide..
What is the fine for a lane violation in Maryland?
A traffic violation with a court-set fine; the posted sign carries the force of law.

Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://codes.findlaw.com/md/transportation/md-code-trans-sect-21-309/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.

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