Question the CHP

[STony G]

I was currious why the commercial trucks are allowed in the carpool lanes. Isn't there a GVW limit for these trucks? The trucks that really chap my hide are the bob tails, you know the 5 ton delivery types.

Just curious.

[kempco]

I'm not a LEO but I believe that trucks cannot go in car pool lanes. CHP just isn't enforcing it.

[bluedragon]

I'm not CHP, but I do not believe a commercial truck can be in the carpool lane. Vehicle's pulling trailers can only travel in the furthest right lane except where allowed to be in other lanes by a sign. These vehicle may use the next lane to the left to pass then must move to the right when safe to do so.

All the carpool lanes I have seen in California are farthest to the left and no commercial vehicle can travel in those lanes. In other states they can, however. Also, the carpool lanes in California have occupant minimums and time frames. The only exceptions I've seen for carpool lanes are M/C's and traveling during non-commute times (weekends, holdiays and between 9am and 2pm and after 7pm).

But, if the delivery truck does not have a trailer and meets the minimum occupant levels, I would say they can be in the carpool lane.

So, I would say CHP just isn't in the area when the commercial trucks are in the carpool lane and that is why they are doing it.

[Gonzo]

I have observed those trucks in the carpool lane, also. Sometimes they have more than one occupant, but not all.

Regarding where trucks can occupy a lane, I believe that's based on weight. The right two lanes are reinforced for the 18-wheelers' weights, but not the rest of the lanes.

Yet, buses are heavy, too, but carry lotsa passengers. So how do they qualify for the carpool lane?

gonzo