Trucks nailed for left lane use
Commercial vehicles are prohibited from driving in the left lane on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge in Louisiana.
The use of enforcement cameras to track vehicle times on the 18-mile bridge on Interstate 10 was authorized in 2022. In 2024, that law was repealed, and double fines for speeding on the bridge were eliminated.
During a recent enforcement operation, the Louisiana State Police said the agency issued 26 citations to trucks that were driving in the left lane of the bridge in St. Martin and Iberville parishes.
On its Facebook page, state police said it has received numerous complaints about commercial vehicles in the left lane.
“Commercial motor vehicles traveling in the left lane are violating the law and can create serious safety and traffic concerns,” the Louisiana State Police said.
Local law enforcement said the citations were issued for disregarding traffic control devices requiring commercial motor vehicles to remain in the right lane. Four other safety violations were identified, and one driver was placed out of service.
State police added that it plans to continue proactive enforcement efforts to improve safety and keep traffic moving along the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge.
State audit
A recent evaluation of the statewide commercial vehicle size and weight enforcement programs called into question practices employed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and Louisiana State Police.
“Trucks that are potentially overweight and oversize but lack required permits are driving on state highways and bridges, illegally bypassing weigh stations and contributing to the deterioration of road conditions and the overall driving environment,” the Louisiana Legislative Auditor said.
The audit noted that state law does not clearly define each agency’s area of jurisdiction and would need to be amended to allow for the use of technologies, such as virtual weigh stations and license plate recognition.
State law also limits the ability to collect civil penalties for size and weight violations from out-of-state trucking companies.
In 2025, the American Society of Civil Engineers graded roads in Louisiana a “D,” while bridges were a “D+.” LL