California traffic law restricts most commercial vehicles to the right lane unless overtaking or passing another vehicle.
“A vehicle subject to Section 22406 shall be driven in a lane designated pursuant to Section 21655, or if a lane has not been so designated, in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb.”—CA Vehicle Code (VC) 22348(c), Speed Laws.
You might be wondering if that applies to a U-Haul, Ryder, or other rental vehicles. That is easily answered by consulting Section 22406 quoted above.
Among others, it applies to:
“A motortruck or truck tractor having three or more axles or any motortruck or truck tractor drawing any other vehicle.”
Therefore, if your vehicle, commercial or private, has three or more axles or is hauling a trailer, then you are restricted to the right-hand lane or the first and second lanes on a freeway of four or more lanes.
The law even applies to RVs with three or more axles and other vehicles pulling a trailer with an ATV or motorcycle.
For commercial drivers hauling freight on U.S. Route 101 or State Route 166 through Santa Barbara County near Santa Maria, one wrong lane choice can jeopardize years of hard work.
At Bigger & Harman, APC, we help commercial drivers protect their records and keep their careers moving forward.
How a Commercial Lane Violation Impacts More Than Just You
A commercial lane violation affects more than the individual driver—it ripples across the entire fleet.
Once the DMV assesses negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points, the DOT FMCSA is notified. The violation adds Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points, which can multiply up to three times with time-weight factors.
If your carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile rises above 75, that carrier becomes a high-risk target for audits and roadside inspections. Many employers avoid that risk by cutting ties with drivers who accumulate moving violations.
Understanding the Consequences of a Conviction for Commercial Lane Violations in California
Under California Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22348(c), Speed Laws, most commercial vehicles must remain in the far-right lane. They may only use the second lane briefly when passing or for safety with merging traffic or similar conditions. On multi-lane roads like U.S. Route 101 or SR 166, trucks cannot drive in the third or fourth lanes.
Conviction for this violation brings a $238 fine and 1.5 NOTS points.
A CDL ties you directly to the carrier by DOT numbers, which uses compliance systems and federal safety metrics. One ticket can alter CSA scores, PSP records, and a carrier’s safety risk profile — all of which affect hiring, select routes, and fleet premiums.
Lane Rules for Larger and Smaller Trucks
For vehicles identified in 22406, primarily those with three or more axles:
- Must obey the 55-mph maximum speed limit.
- Stay in the right-hand lane, or the two rightmost lanes on multi-lane highways.
- Use the second lane on a freeway with only two lanes heading in the same direction, only for brief passing or overtaking.
- Follow all “truck-only” lane requirements, especially on designated sections.
For lighter, two-axle trucks that are not towing another vehicle:
These vehicles generally aren’t subject to the same restrictions. However, under VC Section 21654, any slower vehicle must still stay in the right-hand lane or as close to the curb as possible to maintain safe traffic flow.
Should You Contest the Ticket?
“Of course.” CDL holders should consult a traffic attorney whenever they receive a ticket. Missing a court date or trying to handle it alone could cost more than just a fine.
Our legal team represents commercial drivers in the Santa Maria Courthouse regularly. We appear on your behalf, challenge evidence, and aim to raise a reasonable doubt to achieve a dismissal.
As you know, a commercial driver’s license represents years of training, thousands of hours on the road, and hard-earned trust from carriers. A single moving violation can erode that trust and close doors to better benefits, higher pay, and long-term contracts.
A clean driving record can be a strong bargaining tool. Don’t let it go without a fight. CDL holders should always dispute moving violations in court with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced traffic attorney.
Ask Bigger & Harman, APC, About a Commercial Lane Violation
If you received a ticket while driving near Santa Maria, CA, along U.S. Route 101 or State Route 166, don’t take chances.
Contact the commercial lane violation traffic attorneys at Bigger & Harman, APC, to discuss your options. We will examine every detail, question evidence, and work toward dismissal by raising the level of reasonable doubt.
Call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300, use our contact form, or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com to schedule a free consultation—Para Español, marque 349-9755.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Does this lane restriction apply to U-Haul, Ryder, or smaller rental trucks?
A: Lane restrictions apply if the vehicle has three or more axles or when towing another vehicle, whether private or commercial. Smaller two-axle rentals usually have fewer restrictions but must follow lane discipline when the load forces the vehicle to go slower than normal.
Q: Can Bigger & Harman appear in the Santa Maria Courthouse on my behalf?
A: Bigger & Harman typically does not require the driver to attend, saving you time and keeping you on the road.
Q: What should I do if I get a commercial lane violation ticket on U.S. Route 101 near Santa Maria, CA?
A: If you receive a commercial lane violation ticket while driving on U.S. Route 101 near Santa Maria, CA, it’s best not to ignore it or simply pay the fine. Contact Bigger & Harman, APC, for a complimentary consultation about your citation. They’ll look for procedural errors and work to raise a reasonable doubt for dismissal or acquittal.
References:
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
CA VC Section 22348(c), Speed Laws.