By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

HEAVY-DUTY trucks would be prohibited from driving on the farthest left hand lane of a three-lane highway if a bill seeking to amend road restrictions becomes law.
“The standards established by Guam’s current Motor Vehicle Code no longer support the development of Guam’s transportation and other industries nor do they enhance the safety of Guam’s road,” states Bill 34, introduced by Sens. Ray Tenorio, R-Yigo, and Vice Speaker Eddie Calvo, R-Maite.
Tenorio said the bill was drafted in collaboration with the Guam Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the trucking industry.
“The bill, which reflects the changes in Guam’s road conditions and the trucking industry, is aimed at ensuring that delivery of goods vital to commerce on island is done in the safest manner possible,” Tenorio said.
The Motor Vehicle Code currently designates the far right hand lane for large vehicles.
The bill’s authors, however, noted that the current law was written at the time when Guam’s primary roads only had two lanes. They stressed the need to update the law considering that Guam highways, including Marine Corps Drive, now have three lanes.
“With a three-lane road,” the bill says, “the middle lane tends to be the safest as truck drivers have better visibility of all the lanes from that position.”
The bill thus prohibits trucks, tractors, trailers or any vehicles with a gross weight of 10,000 lbs. from driving on the farthest left hand lane “except when overtaking or passing a vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.”
The proposed restrictions would apply to two- and three- lane roads “when permissible and reasonable.”
The bill also increases penalties for violations and empowers Department of Motor Carrier inspectors to issue citations.