Regulations for Truck vs. auto's with trailers

[Razel]

Maybe a bit anal, but two things apply to trucks and autos pulling trailers (initially)...55 MPH and driving in the right-most two lanes. But, are they separate in that the rules are specific for each? For example, coming over highway 17, there's a truck speed limit of 35. Doesn't say anything about autos with trailers. I stuck with the flow of traffic, but was curious if the truck speed limit would apply to me towing a trailer. The other curiosity is regarding all lanes being open to trucks. On 580 westbound as you come into Castro Valley, there's a sign that says trucks can use all lanes (so they can get on to 238 using the left lanes). Doesn't mention autos with trailers being able to use all lanes.
And, common sense isn't defined in the CVC...so do the regulatory signs for truck apply to autos with trailers? If not, how do cars "legally" get to use 238 off of westbound 580?

Normally, I'm in the left lane, cage or bike. Sure is an interesting perspective when you're pulling a trailer and the "rules" are different. I understand why trucks stay out of the far right lane if possible around on-ramps. Amazing how many people just have to squeeze in front of you...

[Bronto]

Seen those Truck 35 mph zones. Usually on steep freeway grades. A far right lane with a solid white line. Trucks crawling up the grade very slowly. Imagine traffic engineering has speed limit to 35 mph so there isn't huge speed differential between slow loaded trucks and fast unloaded trucks.
Does a car pulling trailer required to use the lane and drive 35 mph. It's your choice I'd think.
It might not be a matter of choice physically. Tow vehicle so bogged down by the weight it's pulling. Going 35 mph or faster might be difficult.

The weight and height restrictions still apply. It's up to the driver to be aware. Some fifth wheels almost as high as a semi trailer.
Heh I can't legally drive in some neighborhood with eight thousand GVW restrictions. Heheh even without a trailer and unloaded, whata crock. :laughing

[Junkie]

Originally posted by Bronto
Seen those Truck 35 mph zones. Usually on steep freeway grades. A far right lane with a solid white line. Trucks crawling up the grade very slowly. Imagine traffic engineering has speed limit to 35 mph so there isn't huge speed differential between slow loaded trucks and fast unloaded trucks.
Does a car pulling trailer required to use the lane and drive 35 mph. It's your choice I'd think.
It might not be a matter of choice physically. Tow vehicle so bogged down by the weight it's pulling. Going 35 mph or faster might be difficult.

The weight and height restrictions still apply. It's up to the driver to be aware. Some fifth wheels almost as high as a semi trailer.
Heh I can't legally drive in some neighborhood with eight thousand GVW restrictions. Heheh even without a trailer and unloaded, whata crock. :laughing well, I know the grade out of town here (3 mile 7% grade) only does the 35 limit downhill, they're allowed to go 55 uphill if they can. no solid line in either case too, although trucks are required to stay in the right lane down the grade (but cars are allowed to use the lane like normal lanes).

[Bronto]

I was trying to recall Hwy 5 near the California, Oregon Stateline. There's a dedicated truck lane.

35 mph downhill limit. You think that's so heavy trucks can stop easier from slower speeds ?

See those signs steep grade ahead trucks use low gears.
Heh you also see those gravel run-offs to stop runaway trucks.

[ALANRIDER7]

California's trailer law is ghey. Big rigs being limited to 55mph is one thing. A pickup hauling some bikes is another.

[Joseppi]

You are required by law to drive 55 when pulling a trailer,but you can be in the same lanes as a big rig to get on to 238..Being in the middle lane of a 3 lane freeway,you are only allowed to be in the middle of the lane when passing a slower vehicle.I know this first hand because I drive truck for a living and have had more than a few lane violation tickets.It is usually not enforced though,except when traffic is heavy so use you own judgement.:cool