Maine Turnpike Drivers Constantly Breaking Law That Many Don’t Know About

There's a law when driving on the Maine Turnpike that many people don't know about or are ignoring and could be ticketed for.

Maine Turnpike Widening

The Maine Turnpike has been widened multiple times over its existence and currently has three lanes from the Maine and New Hampshire border to Exit 48 in Westbrook. The three lanes help move traffic along and do what it can to prevent congestion in the Southern Maine area. It has helped if people are using those lanes correctly.

Every Lane Has a Purpose

The law that most people don't know or don't follow, is one that I didn't even know about. Here's how it reads:

The law designates the center lane as the passing lane for large trucks on the Maine Turnpike. This shift in lane usage keeps the left lane clear for faster-moving vehicles while allowing tractor-trailers to pass safely. Unfortunately, many drivers mistakenly treat the center lane as a cruising lane. They often avoid slower vehicles and the hassle of on/off ramps on the right.

I've done just that. Driving in the center lane on the Maine Turnpike when it is for tractor-trailers. I had no idea.

As you can see in the Google Maps photo above, the camera driver is doing it wrong.

Another rule is that drivers must use the right-hand lane unless passing. After passing, drivers must return to the right-hand lane as soon as possible. This one I knew, but a lot of people don't follow it.

Camp at the Lake - Not In The Left Lane

So there you have it. Use the left-most lane and center lane for passing, but always return to the right-hand lane. Don't camp in the left and center lanes.