Connecticut 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 Connecticut, the state issues oversized permits for both divisible and nondivisible loads. Divisible loads are limited to bulk materials and raw products – materials that are bundled, bagged or palletized do not qualify. A number of bridge crossings are prohibited even for trucks with divisible load permits.

Non-divisible load permits are issued for trucks up to 14 feet wide, 13 feet 6 inches high and 85 feet long. The truck can have a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds on five axles with 51 feet between the first and last axle. The weight should not exceed the legal limit of 80,000 pounds. Trucks taller than 12 feet high must have one escort, while trucks taller than 13 feet 6 inches are required to have two escorts.

Oversized loads are subject to travel restrictions. Travel is permitted only during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset, not including peak hours of 6:30-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. No travel is permitted on the days surrounding holidays, and permits are invalid during inclement weather.

Oversized trucks in Connecticut must maintain the insurance coverage required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: $750,000 in liability insurance, $500,000 in cargo insurance, and a $10,000 bond.

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.