Alabama Trucking Laws and Regulations

The federal government restricts the size and weight of trucks that can travel on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Trucks are limited to:

• 80,000 pounds for the gross weight of a vehicle,

• 20,000 pounds for a single axle, or

• 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle.

However, states have the option of issuing permits allowing overweight or oversized vehicles to travel on these highways or any other roads.

In Alabama, the standard legal limits for trucks are 13 feet 6 inches high, 8 feet 6 inches wide, and 53 feet 6 inches long. Routine oversize permits are issued for trucks up to 16 feet high, 16 feet wide and 150 feet long; routine overweight permits are issued for vehicles and loads up to 180,000 pounds. Trucks that weigh more than 180,000 pounds are subject to bridge analysis.

Oversized trucks can travel only during daylight hours from Monday through Friday. Travel on Sunday is prohibited. Travel is also permitted on holidays and during inclement weather. Trucks between 120 feet and 150 feet in length are restricted to travel between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Alabama does not issue divisible load permits.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all oversize trucks to carry $750,000 in liability insurance, $500,000 in cargo insurance, and a $10,000 bond. In Alabama, the applicant for an oversize permit must provide an indemnity bond or proof of insurance of $300,000, and the Alabama Highway Department must be listed as Certificate Holder.

Has a Trucking Accident Occurred?

Munley, Munley & Cartwright, PC accepts and successfully resolves major trucking injury cases nationwide. Our lawyers, paralegals, and other professionals are specially trained to evaluate, develop, and negotiate these difficult cases to protect and benefit our clients. You do not pay any fee unless we win money damages for you. That means you can get the most experienced legal help and it won't cost one dime more than you would pay any other firm -- and we get RESULTS!

The goal of Munley, Munley & Cartwright is simple and direct: To Successfully Resolve the Legal Problems of our Clients.

If you have questions about an accident involving a tractor trailer, let us go to work for you.

You can contact the trucking attorneys of Munley, Munley & Cartwright for a free consultation by completing our online accident evaluation form -or- calling toll-free at 877-421-9175.