Michigan State - Third Lane Use

[Jim L]

Its very frustrating at times to keep up with all the little nuances and regional laws that are enforced now and then. I recently just learned a new one and want to let you know so that you can avoid a fine and all the BS that goes with it.
One of my drivers just received a Driver/Vehicle Examination Report in Michigan after being pulled over on I-75 with the following violation:
392.2LV - Lane Restriction violation: THIRD LANE USE.
There was four lanes and the driver was in the third lane. After looking into it I found:

FMCSA 392.2 basically states that you need to follow local laws where applicable.
§392.2 Applicable operating rules.
Every commercial motor vehicle must be operated in accordance with the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is being operated. However, if a regulation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration imposes a higher standard of care than that law, ordinance or regulation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulation must be complied with.

but....Michigan Vehicle Code states:
Third-lane Use MVC 257.634(3)
On freeways having three or more lanes for travel in the same direction, trucks with a gross weight of more than 10,000 lbs., a truck-tractor or a combination of a vehicle and trailer or semitrailer must operate in the two right-hand lanes only.

So, in a nut shell, all trucks in Michigan must be in the right two lanes and Michigan State Police are enforcing it. Driver memo going out tonight in pay stubs.

Drive safe!

 

[Nawk]

Michigan has for a long time had a reputation of picking on Canadian truck to supplement their revenue.

All you need to do is drive the state... every truck you see pulled over will have ON or QC plates on it.

 

[Igor Galanter]

It's also may be confusing for some depend on a counting pattern...
In Canada, as far as I know first lane counts from the median, not from the shoulder...

 

[Jim L]

Michigan has for a long time had a reputation of picking on Canadian truck to supplement their revenue.
All you need to do is drive the state... every truck you see pulled over will have ON or QC plates on it.

At least in this case it was only the lane violation. Our drivers are really good and our support staff that supports the drivers are also great at what they do and had everything in place. License, permit book, ELD, ERODS downloaded, ELD card handy, trailer registration all checked. Walk around; all lights working, brakes within spec, no air leaks. Absolutely nothing could be found so we end up with a lane violation.

Now that the drivers are informed the MI State Police can choose a different out of state plate.

 

[Jim L]

It's also may be confusing for some depend on a counting pattern...
In Canada, as far as I know first lane counts from the median, not from the shoulder...

Yes, Ontario law enforcement and I assume its laws counts lane 1 as the one closest to the median. I don't know how the other Canadian jurisdictions recognize or count the lanes.

Michigan clearly states it as 'must operate in the two right-hand lanes only' so no confusion there.