A plan from state Rep. William Bruck to improve traffic flow and safety on Michigan’s roadways was advanced on Tuesday by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

House Bill 4522 will reduce congestion by requiring large trucks and tractor-trailers to stay out of the left lane when traveling on expressways with three or more lanes. While current law already directs trucks to stay to the right except when passing, Bruck’s plan provides law enforcement with a clear mechanism to ensure compliance, improving safety and easing frustration for Michigan drivers.

“This is a practical plan that offers clarity and makes sense for everyone out on our roadways,” said Bruck, of Erie. “Limiting slower-moving trucks to the right lanes will help reduce congestion, make our highways easier to navigate and increase safety.”

While the legislation prohibits trucks from using the left lane on expressways with three or more lanes, there are a few provisions where trucks can operate within the lane – including at reasonable distance before making a left turn, when special hazards make another lane safer, or as posted in construction zones. In areas where construction reduces traffic to two lanes, trucks would be required to use the rightmost lane.

The Michigan Trucking Association supports the plan. HB 4522 now moves to the full House for consideration. A similar bill offered by Bruck was advanced with bipartisan support from the House during the previous legislative term but was not taken up by the Senate.

“Like many of the trucks out on our roadways, this plan has racked up some serious mileage trying to get to the governor’s desk over the past year,” Bruck said. “This is common-sense legislation and I hope it doesn’t get caught up in partisan politics. It is a clear priority to help keep Michigan drivers safer.”