FILE: Cars drive along Highway 50 through South Lake Tahoe.
Getty ImagesLake Tahoe drivers beware: There's a new right turn rule that might soon get you a ticket.
The rule is part of a pilot program being tested in South Tahoe which, as any local or weekend visitor will tell you, struggles with traffic congestion. Some of the issue is due to traffic apps, which route drivers off main roads and into residential neighborhoods. To help with this, drivers from North Upper Truckee Road and Sawmill Road can no longer turn right onto westbound U.S. Highway 50. The right-turn restriction is in effect only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays and holidays that fall on Mondays, such as the upcoming Memorial Day. It applies to locals, too.
According to the Tahoe Daily Tribune, about a dozen people were pulled over for violating the new rule Sunday. Nine were out-of-towners, and all got off with just a warning. California Highway Patrol officers told the Tribune they're doing an informational campaign for now, but soon there will be tickets associated with right-turn violations. Part of the reason for their current leniency is not all traffic apps have updated to include the new restriction.
The rule is in effect through Oct. 31. If at that point the pilot program is deemed a success, the Tribune reports 21 turn restrictions may be added this winter.
"This is a test, and rescindable at any time," CHP Officer Ruth Loehr told South Tahoe Now. "The whole intention is to get mapping apps to finally realize we don't want travelers in our neighborhoods."
You can keep up with the latest Tahoe road notices by checking the CHP Valley Division.
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