Forum Discussion

myredracer's avatar
myredracer
Explorer II
Sep 11, 2015

Legal to tow in freeway left lane?

I often tow our TT in the left lane on a multi-lane freeway (3 or more lans) when the traffic in the right lanes is just way too slow or there are a lot of drivers changing lanes in congested areas. I do however, stay in the right lane whenever possible unless passing a vehicle, temporarily moving left at on-ramps or if the traffic flow gets above 65 mph. If driving through or around Seattle for example, by far the fastest route is the staying in the very left hand lane.

This is Washington State law (from a few years ago):

No vehicle towing a trailer, or no vehicle or combination over 10,000 lbs. may be driven in the left-hand lane of a limited-access roadway having three or more lanes for traffic moving in one direction, except when preparing for a left turn.

Am I running the risk of being ticketed or do the LEOs simply turn a blind eye? Is this common around the US or just in some states?
  • Iraqvet05's avatar
    Iraqvet05
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2015
    The law varies from state to state but I know Colorado will give you a ticket for hanging out in the left lane.

    laws
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2015
    I think hanging out in the left lane is not a good idea. Isn't that supposed to be for overtaking and then move back to the right?
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Sep 11, 2015
    In washington you are setting yourself up for a ticket. we travel through washington, and YES I have seen an LEO pull over comercial vehicles AND people pulling a trailer in the left lane on 3 or more lane highways. Even if they look like they are just trying to pass slower taffic.

    you stick out like a sore thumb and they will get you from quite a distance away if they see you.
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2015
    I will do my best to pass someone on their left. If that puts me in lane #1, so be it.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Sep 11, 2015
    korbe wrote:
    I will do my best to pass someone on their left. If that puts me in lane #1, so be it.


    in washington that may get you a ticket on a 3 lane highway. they don't care if your trying to pass or not. your not allowed in the third lane unless that is the exit lane and you take the exit.
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2015
    ktmrfs wrote:
    korbe wrote:
    I will do my best to pass someone on their left. If that puts me in lane #1, so be it.


    in washington that may get you a ticket on a 3 lane highway. they don't care if your trying to pass or not. your not allowed in the third lane unless that is the exit lane and you take the exit.


    FYI, not all "three or more" highways are marked for this restriction.
    The highway has to be marked.
    There is no "may", if you tow, the highway is marked and a LEO see it, you will be ticketed.
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2015
    ktmrfs wrote:
    korbe wrote:
    I will do my best to pass someone on their left. If that puts me in lane #1, so be it.


    in washington that may get you a ticket on a 3 lane highway. they don't care if your trying to pass or not. your not allowed in the third lane unless that is the exit lane and you take the exit.

    Sounds likely. Some laws don't allow for any exceptions. That's why I prefer the law that says, "keep right except to pass".
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2015
    myredracer wrote:

    Am I running the risk of being ticketed or do the LEOs simply turn a blind eye? Is this common around the US or just in some states?


    There is no blind eye. If you are on a marked road, and in violation, they will give you a ticket.

    There is one more exception though, if the left lane is HOV -and- you qualify they will let you go. Be advised though that I-405 is going to "three" not "two", and you need a special pass besides

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