New Mexico passes law banning big rigs from the left lane

This week, officials in New Mexico passed legislation that will require semi trucks to remain in the right lane under most circumstances.

On April 4, 2023, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lynn Lujan Grisham signed into law Senate Bill 102.

The bill would require trucks to stay in the right lane of any two or more lane highway unless actively passing another vehicle. Truckers found to be in violation of the left lane travel ban would face a fine up to $250.

The left lane restriction law is set to go into effect on July 1, 2023.

The bill was introduced by Senator George Munoz in January 2023. Munoz says that the left lane truck ban will reduce traffic congestion and increase highway safety.

Last year, Munoz authored a similar bill that was approved in both the state House and Senate but died in a “pocket veto” when Governor Grisham opted not to sign it into law.