HONOLULU (KHON2) — Almost two years after a new law took effect banning most heavy commercial vehicles from using the far-left lane, Honolulu police confirm they have not issued a single citation under the statute, raising questions about enforcement and whether the law has the ability to improve safety on Hawaii’s roads.
The law, which took effect Jan. 1, 2024, prohibits commercial vehicles 10,000 pounds or heavier from occupying the far-left lane on roadways with three or more lanes. There are exceptions: trucks may still use the left lane when keeping up with traffic, passing, or preparing to exit or turn left.
Woman, 84, dead after losing control of vehicle on Maui
In a statement to KHON2 News, the Honolulu Police Department said no citations have been issued because officers have generally observed commercial drivers complying with the law during peak commute hours.
“Commercial vehicles were either maintaining the flow of traffic in the left lane or were otherwise in compliance,” HPD said. The department added that officers are trained to use discretion and consider the “totality of the circumstances” before issuing any citation…