Trucking Laws & Regulations in Tennessee

Trucks weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and travel at rates of up to 60 miles per hour or more along highways they share with other cars. In instances when the truck driver makes a mistake, the risk of serious injury and loss of life is high. That is why numerous trucking laws and regulations in Tennessee are in place with the objective of reducing the risk to others on the road with those trucks.

Take into consideration some of the most important trucking laws and regulations that may be applicable to your situation. Call our experienced truck accident lawyer at Selvidge Injury Law today.

Tennessee Laws Related to Trucking Weight

One of the risks that drivers on the road with trucks have is overweight trucks. Under TCA § 55-7-203(b)(3), no commercial vehicle on the roadway can weigh more than 80,000 pounds. If this occurs, it could mean that the driver faces criminal charges of a Class C misdemeanor.

Additionally, trucks cannot be oversized. They cannot be taller than 13 feet and 6 inches, and they cannot be wider than 8 feet. Violations of these rules can mean that the truck driver and trucking company are at risk.

Licensing of Commercial Drivers

Under Tennessee law, all drivers must maintain a commercial driver’s license that meets the specs of the types of vehicles they drive. Employers of those truck drivers are required by law to verify this information. Current appropriate commercial driver’s licenses are critical to ensuring the driver knows how to safely operate a vehicle.

Additionally, all truck drivers in the state must have a valid medical card. This card shows that the driver maintains fitness to operate a vehicle. If the driver is not fit for any reason, they cannot operate the vehicle safely, and that means there could be other people at risk for injuries, such as a spinal cord or traumatic brain injury.

Federal Laws Govern Trucks as Well

Federal laws are also in place that are applicable in Tennessee. These laws aim to put very strict restrictions on drivers, including how many hours they can work in a row without a break and how many days they can work without a day off. Adherence to these rules is critical both for the driver and the trucking company. If truck drivers are not getting enough rest between long hours on the road, they are at a much higher risk of causing injury to others due to fatigue or distraction.

Additionally, federal laws go further to protect others on the road. For example, they require truck owners to maintain their vehicles properly and keep a record of those updates and changes made over time. This helps to ensure the vehicle is fit for the roadways. Federal laws govern the rules of the road as well, such as how cargo must be loaded and transported to ensure it is safe. Other laws require very specific skills for drivers who are pulling hazardous materials in them.

Who Is Responsible for Violations of Truck Laws

When any of the trucking laws and regulations in Tennessee are not taken seriously, and violations occur, the truck driver and sometimes the truck company could be at fault. Contact our personal injury attorneys at Selvidge Injury Law today to learn more about your rights in pursuing fair compensation if you were hurt as a result of violations of these or other laws at the state or federal level.