41-6a-702. Left lane restrictions -- Exceptions -- Other lane restrictions -- Penalties.
(1) As used in this section and Section 41-6a-704, "general purpose lane" means a
highway lane open to vehicular traffic but does not include a designated:
(a) high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane; or
(b) auxiliary lane that begins as a freeway on-ramp and ends as part of the next freeway
off-ramp.
(2) On a freeway or section of a freeway which has three or more general purpose lanes
in the same direction, a person may not operate a vehicle in the left most general purpose lane if
the person's:
(a) vehicle is drawing a trailer or semitrailer regardless of size; or
(b) vehicle or combination of vehicles has a gross vehicle weight of 12,001 or more
pounds.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a person operating a vehicle who is:
(a) preparing to turn left or taking a different highway split or an exit on the left;
(b) responding to emergency conditions;
(c) avoiding actual or potential traffic moving onto the highway from an acceleration or
merging lane; or
(d) following direction signs that direct use of a designated lane.
(4) (a) A highway authority may designate a specific lane or lanes of travel for any type
of vehicle on a highway or portion of a highway under its jurisdiction for the:
(i) safety of the public;
(ii) efficient maintenance of a highway; or
(iii) use of high occupancy vehicles.
(b) The lane designation under Subsection (4)(a) is effective when appropriate signs
giving notice are erected on the highway or portion of the highway.
(5) (a) Subject to Subsection (5)(b), the lane designation under Subsection (4)(a) shall
allow a vehicle with clean fuel special group license plates issued in accordance with Section
41-1a-418 to travel in lanes designated for the use of high occupancy vehicles regardless of the
number of occupants to the extent authorized or permitted by federal law or federal regulation.
(b) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
Department of Transportation may make rules to allow a vehicle with clean fuel special group
license plates issued in accordance with Section 41-1a-418 to travel in lanes designated for the
use of high occupancy vehicles regardless of the number of occupants to the extent authorized or
permitted by federal law or federal regulation.
(6) A person who operates a vehicle in violation of Subsection (2) or in violation of the
restrictions made under Subsection (4) is guilty of a class C misdemeanor.
Amended by Chapter 382, 2008 General Session
Download Code Section Zipped WordPerfect 41_06a070200.ZIP 3,079 Bytes
Sections in this Chapter|Chapters in this Title|All Titles|Legislative Home Page
Last revised: Thursday, May 01, 2008