Starting this December 2025, North Carolina’s House Bill 864 has come into effect, aimed at improving safety and traffic flow on its six-lane or wider highways. This new regulation prohibits heavy vehicles (over 26,001 pounds) from driving in the left lane, reserving this space exclusively for passing. The measure seeks to reduce the risk of serious accidents by separating trucks — which have longer braking distances and lower speeds — from fast-moving traffic, thereby optimizing drivers’ reaction times and preventing unnecessary traffic jams.
Road safety in North Carolina
North Carolina has made several changes to its road safety regulations over the past year, aimed at improving safety on the roads. One of the issues regarding road safety is highway driving, where there is usually a higher risk of accidents due to the combination of high speeds (and therefore less reaction time), heavy traffic, and complex driving conditions. The latest measure is precisely related to driving on highways, specifically regarding the left lane, which is intended for overtaking in order to achieve smoother traffic flow. In the case of trucks, occupying the left lane is risky because their weight and speed impede traffic flow and safety.
North Carolina House Bill 864
It was this December 2025 when North Carolina House Bill 864 came into effect, through which vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds are prohibited from driving in the left lane on highways with six or more lanes. According to the bill: “Except when entering or exiting the highway, avoiding a hazard, or passing, a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more shall not operate in the far-left lane of a six-lane or larger controlled-access highway”.
Naturally, these vehicles may use the left lane when entering or exiting the highway, when there is a hazard or obstacle in other lanes that they need to avoid, or if they need to maneuver to pass another vehicle, always returning afterward to the right lane.
Why is this new measure necessary?
As we have already mentioned, highway driving comes with numerous risks, which are greater when we talk about vehicles over 26,000 pounds. It is worth noting the stopping distance, which increases due to the reduced reaction time of the driver when traveling at high speed. Due to their enormous mass, trucks need much more space and time to come to a complete stop. Another risk factor is collisions, since if a truck drives in the left lane, its braking volatility drastically increases the chances of a rear-end collision.
Another factor is visibility, which is reduced with the presence of large vehicles. Considering that on highways there are far more lane changes and overtaking maneuvers than on secondary roads, the presence of large vehicles in the left lane makes it difficult for other drivers to accurately judge distances and speeds, limiting their field of vision.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicles are prohibited from using the left lane?
All heavy vehicles with a weight (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
On which roads does this new law apply?
Only on controlled-access highways that have six or more lanes in total.
When can a heavy truck legally use that lane?
Only to pass, avoid a hazard, or when entering/exiting the highway.