Federal Truck Length Regulations & Louisiana Truck Accidents

While states have regulations concerning the size and length of trucks, Federal regulations govern minimum lengths on the highways for certain truck combinations.

Those combinations are tractor-semitrailer and tractor-semitrailer-trailer, and these regulations only apply to the national highway network and transit between highways and terminals or service locations.

Tractor-Semitrailer Combinations
In fact, states cannot impose limits on the national highway system that are longer than the minimums for tractor-semitrailer combinations even if they are longer than the Federal minimum limit of 48 feet. States also cannot impose an overall limit on a truck pulling a semitrailer or the difference between axles on such combinations.

Straight trucks, those that carry cargoes in the same chassis as the power unit, are not regulated by the Federal government but by the states. However, straight trucks towing a trailer are limited to 65 feet by the Federal government and limited by the states.

Truck Tractor-Semitrailer-Trailer Combinations
States must allow a minimum of 28 feet for trailers and semitrailers in combination with some grandfathered exceptions.

You can find out more about these regulations here.

The Young Firm in New Orleans understands the serious nature of automobile and truck accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Louisiana car and truck accident attorney today at (866) 660-7220 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident or an accident with a truck.