Trucks use right lane sign: what it means
The TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE sign tells truck drivers to stay in the right lane on a road with more than one lane in their direction.
What does the TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE sign mean?
MUTCD Section 2B.38 says the sign may be used on multi-lane roads to improve capacity and cut unnecessary lane changes caused by slower vehicles. It may also supplement a SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT sign.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Drive in the right lane if you are slower.
- Trucks must keep to the right lane.
- Stay in the right lane unless passing.
Show answer
B. Trucks must keep to the right lane. It directs trucks to use the right lane (MUTCD Section 2B.38). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.38, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
At the start of multi-lane sections and extra climbing lanes, often on hills.
What should you do?
In a car, expect slower trucks on the right and pass them on the left when it is safe.
What do people get wrong?
Thinking it applies to every vehicle. It is a rule for trucks.
Common questions
Does this sign apply to cars?
No. It applies to trucks. Cars follow the general keep-right rules and signs.
Why keep trucks right?
Section 2B.38 says it reduces lane changing caused by slower vehicles.
Compare with
Slower traffic keep right signDrive in the right lane if you are slower.
Keep right except to pass signStay in the right lane unless passing.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 4 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Section 2B.38.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.38, FHWA
- MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025
Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.