Has anyone received a moving citation while towing or driving a MH ?

Ejs4029 · 04-14-2016, 08:57 AM

I received one back in 2014 Presidents Day weekend I was towing my TT on CA 101 North just south of Ventura, CA the highway had some construction zones where the lanes were narrowed to two lanes and the speed limit was 40mph I was in the right lane behind an old motor home that could barely do 35mph in the right lane another TV and TT were in the left lane next to me doing 35mph also so when the lanes opened back up to three lanes I moved behind the TV and TT they could barely maintain a speed of 40 mph going up a moderate grade then over to the far left lane so then I moved to far left lane to pass them and the MH that was in the far right lane....I made the pass in about one minute while staying under 55mph and moved back over to the far right lane…By that time a CHP officer had his lights on and was instructing me to move to the shoulder of the road…Yep ticket for $235.00 for towing while in an improper lane.

I learned my lesson for sure and that was just to slow down and relax and don’t be so impatient and now when driving and I see a vehicle towing in an improper lane I always say to my DW where is the CHP now LOL I’ve noticed the biggest violators are motor homes towing toads in the fast lane or even toll lanes driving 75mph.

W5CI · 04-14-2016, 09:12 AM

Welcome to California, No matter how slow traffic is you dont get in the Left lane there while Towing anything. Stupid yes but thats CA

wrvond · 04-14-2016, 09:12 AM

Never heard of such a thing.

dieselguy · 04-14-2016, 09:15 AM

Ahhhhhh Californie ... "the land of opportunity" ... for law enforcement to fill local cauffers. Law enforcement in most states I travel in realize RV'ers bring money into the communities and focus on more serious offenders.

Ejs4029 · 04-14-2016, 09:22 AM

California Vehicle Code Towing Sections

21655b You must tow in the designated lane, usually the right hand lane, except for passing. When passing you must use the lane directly on the left of the designated lane.

I was on a three lane section of the Highway....Legally I can only pass in the center lane....I didn't I passed in the far left lane and got caught

bubbles · 04-14-2016, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ejs4029

California Vehicle Code Towing Sections

21655b You must tow in the designated lane, usually the right hand lane, except for passing. When passing you must use the lane directly on the left of the designated lane.

I was on a three lane section of the Highway....Legally I can only pass in the center lane....I didn't I passed in the far left lane and got caught

So, what sign designated the far right lane as a tow lane?

Ejs4029 · 04-14-2016, 09:42 AM

There are no signs per say unless it is a truck lane you are suppose to know this

Maybe if you are from out of state they would cut you some slack.....While towing a trailer in CA if it's two lanes you can pass/travel in the left lane........If it is three you can only pass/ travel in the center lane or right lane........If it's four or more lanes you can only pass/travel in the far right lane or the lane directly on it left side so while towing in that scenario you can only tow in the two right lanes any other lane can get you a ticket.

bubbles · 04-14-2016, 09:57 AM

Your code reference said "designated" and therefore there has to be a sign or something on the highway that does the designation just like the signs that designate truck lanes, slower traffic keep right, etc.. "You're supposed to know"?
I think this is the catch-all: But notice it says trailer towing.

**Iwritecode** · 04-14-2016, 10:02 AM

In Illinois it's technically illegal to travel in the left lane(s). Meaning if you aren't passing anyone, you are supposed to be over in the right lane.

I haven't seen it enforced much if ever and it's not posted on the highways anywhere. It's just one of those things you are supposed to know.

Ejs4029 · 04-14-2016, 10:05 AM

Perhaps someone else from CA or with more knowledge can chime in and clarify what towing in the "designated" lane means and how CA determines that ? Maybe it is defined in the CA drivers handbook...Just guessing of course at this point..Technically I suppose anyone towing should know all towing laws of his or her state

doc73 · 04-14-2016, 10:14 AM

Well that sucks. On our three Lane highways (PA) the left lane is for cars. No commercial vehicles or trucks... But they allow buses(?). BUT it needs a sign to designate the start and end of the restrictions. There will also be signs every few miles to remind you.

Again here, left lanes are for only passing on a limited access highway with 2 lanes. No signs needed for this.

The fine here is 128.50.. CA is pricey.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Ejs4029 · 04-14-2016, 10:30 AM

Doc73, Can you legally pass while towing in the far left of a three lane highway in PA ?

prh5669 · 04-14-2016, 11:21 AM

I am a retired law enforcement officer from Ontario, Canada. My wife and l have a truck and trailer and have frequented many states and provinces. It is critical to be aware of state and provincial rules especially when towing. The "no trailers" in the left lane is in many areas. The other big issue is being overloaded. Last year l was helping out my son drive a Ford 350 drw and a 30 foot stage trailer from Newfoundland to Ontario. l was 22 pounds over and got an hour lecure and had to adjust my load.

Please don't blame the officer.

DreiHunde · 04-14-2016, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prh5669

Please don't blame the officer.

x875,632!!!

He is just trying to do his job!!!

mdstudey · 04-14-2016, 11:36 AM

That California law has been in place for a very long time. It was well posted. Same rule applies for the big rigs as well. Back around 1999 the fastest you could go while towing was 55. My husband received a ticket for passing and exceeding the speed limit that was posted for vehicles towing. We were towing a motorcycle trailer with two big bikes on it. Here is the kicker, we were 10 miles from the Arizona border when he got us. The best part was when my parrot was cussing him out when he returned with ticket.

I can understand why they have this law in place. If there are big rigs and RV's are clogging up all the lanes, it slows the flow of traffic and California are busy. It does not make sense when you are in an area that is not so congested. California laws really don't make sense. You must wear a helmet, but yet you can split the lanes. I have seen the CHP weave in and out of cars at a high rate of speed.

Ejs4029 · 04-14-2016, 11:37 AM

I never once blamed the officer...I was in the wrong. I will admit I was hoping he would let me off with a warning that wasn't the case it was a Holiday weekend and he was out there drumming up revenue for our poor state

prh5669 · 04-14-2016, 11:40 AM

I was wrong as well. Oh well. My fault. Life is still good. l should of known as l used to do inspections.

wrvond · 04-14-2016, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdstudey

That California law has been in place for a very long time. It was well posted. Same rule applies for the big rigs as well. Back around 1999 the fastest you could go while towing was 55. My husband received a ticket for passing and exceeding the speed limit that was posted for vehicles towing. We were towing a motorcycle trailer with two big bikes on it. Here is the kicker, we were 10 miles from the Arizona border when he got us. The best part was when my parrot was cussing him out when he returned with ticket.

I can understand why they have this law in place. If there are big rigs and RV's are clogging up all the lanes, it slows the flow of traffic and California are busy. It does not make sense when you are in an area that is not so congested. California laws really don't make sense. You must wear a helmet, but yet you can split the lanes. I have seen the CHP weave in and out of cars at a high rate of speed.

The same law that allows lane splitting also says you can't exceed traffic speed by more than 5 mph. Officers weaving in and out at a high rate of speed are in violation, but consider themselves above the law. There is also a law that says law enforcement (indeed, all emergency vehicle operators) are bound by the same laws everyone else is, unless actively responding to an emergency situation. Try enforcing that one!

I never blame officers for enforcing the law. I do blame them for not observing the law. I blame legislators for stupid laws (or what I perceive to be stupid).

prh5669 · 04-14-2016, 11:56 AM

not sure what your point is. l am very aware of what the rules involving law enforcement are in my area. l was an internal affairs investigator. It has always amazed me when people like you slam officers without knowing all the facts. It sounds like you dont. Maybe the officer was rushing to a call for a school lockdow, child stopped breathing . Who knows. without all the facts, keep you negative judgemental comments to yourself.

WayneLee · 04-14-2016, 12:08 PM

Yes, count me as one that got a ticket in California for exceeding the 55 mph limit when towing.

This occurred right after this provision became law and before the state started changing their signs. At the time, I had a Holiday Rambler 36' DP towing my Hummer H3 east bound on Interstate 8 between Ocotillo and El Centro. I was driving at 65 mph at the time I was clocked. And if you've ever been on that stretch of highway, you know that everyone was passing me even driving 65!

I received a ticket for excessive speed while towing. Paid the fine, went to traffic school, so the ticket was expunged from my record. It was my first ticket for a moving violation in 35 years!

Today, not all the signs have been changed, but don't go over 55 unless you want to risk getting a ticket.

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