Freeway vehicle code question

[retired]

I've been gone from patrol since 1997 and the job since 2003, so I'm sure there have been some changes here and there in the VC since I've left both. This question is for you active leos only:

Have they done away with the law that requires drivers who are towing a trailer to stay in the slow lane or lanes, depending on how many fwy lanes there are, except to pass slower vehicles and maintain the 55mph limit. Now, I understand very few do the speed limit and that isn't the main part of my question.

I ask, because I've seen numerous big rigs driving in the wrong lane when the slow lane is either empty or there are no other vehicles with a trailer in the area.

What really boggles my mind is I have seen numerous drivers in their pick up or van towing boats, RVs, personal watercraft, etc., in the number #1-#4 lanes. I even saw a guy towing a pair of Sea Doos doing 70 in the car pool lane.

Are these people either complete idiots, with no consideration for others and the law or did the law change. I surmise it is the former, but I thought I'd ask you active guys. Thanks.

[Ron-Solo]

I've been gone from patrol since 1997 and the job since 2003, so I'm sure there have been some changes here and there in the VC since I've left both. This question is for you active leos only:

Have they done away with the law that requires drivers who are towing a trailer to stay in the slow lane or lanes, depending on how many fwy lanes there are, except to pass slower vehicles and maintain the 55mph limit. Now, I understand very few do the speed limit and that isn't the main part of my question.

Nope

I ask, because I've seen numerous big rigs driving in the wrong lane when the slow lane is either empty or there are no other vehicles with a trailer in the area.

On 1-2 lane roads, vehicles towing must stay in the right lane except when Passing. On 3+ lane roads, they are restricted to the right 2 lanes.

What really boggles my mind is I have seen numerous drivers in their pick up or van towing boats, RVs, personal watercraft, etc., in the number #1-#4 lanes. I even saw a guy towing a pair of Sea Doos doing 70 in the car pool lane.

I've even seen 18 wheelers in the car pool lane thru the 60/91/215 interchange in Riverside.

Are these people either complete idiots, with no consideration for others and the law or did the law change. I surmise it is the former, but I thought I'd ask you active guys. Thanks.

Complete Idiots

Nothing's changed since you left, except that everyone is spread thinner than we used to be.

[yzErnie]

It's all about the "Me getting where I need to go" drivers and the "I don't care about the laws or you" drivers that cause the problems. It is a BIG ole fatty for towing in the wrong lane or speeding while towing violations.

[TRICKSTER]

Are these people either complete idiots, with no consideration for others and the law .

This one.

[retired]

Thanks guys; I figured it was still the law.

I know they are stretched thin as I seldom see any CHP officer on the 215 from when I enter at Scott Rd. and transition to the w/b 60. They have a large area to cover and are probably writing TC reports somewhere off of the fwy. in a safe spot.

[powerstrokemike]

ya i hear you one day i was sitting in traffic.. well whats new.. an i saw a SEMI blow past me (tractor an trailer) in the car pool lane i was like WTF i cant belive this.. wish i was a chp i would of hung that guy out to dry..

[Tallship]

Funny thing, I'm driving up 15 to the high desert the other day in the right hand lane getting ready to get off at the next exit. I see a CHP cruiser who was on the side of the road pull out right behind me, and I'm thinking, I'm only doing about sixty-five, what's he want me for? And I hadn't seen anyone who wasn't just going with the flow of traffic. Well, he zips around me and lights a guy pulling a trailer that was going with the flow of traffic, except that traffic was doing 70.