Georgia 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 Georgia, truck carriers are permitted to apply for annual or single load permits. Annual permits are available only for nondivisible load types and are not valid for interstate travel. Standard permits are issued for loads up to 12 feet wide, 14 feet 6 inches high, 100 feet long and 100,000 pounds. STAA standard permits must meet the same criteria but they can be up to 14 feet wide. Seasonal annual passes are also available for trucks carrying cotton and tobacco that may be up to 9 feet wide, as long as they maintain legal height and weight requirements.

Single trip permits are valid for dates and routes specified on the permit. Standard permits are issued for trucks up to a width and height of 16 feet and a weight limit of 150,000 pounds. Superload permits are issued for weight and height more than 16 feet and between 150,000 and 180,000 pounds. Superload plus permits are issued for trucks weighing more than 180,000 pounds, and also require a bridge analysis.

Oversized trucks in Georgia 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. Liability insurance, including a public liability minimum of $300,000/accident, $100,000 for persons injured, as well as total property damage of $50,000, must be maintained throughout the existence of the permit. Permit holder promises to hold the Department of Transportation harmless and to recompense the DOT for all damages. Georgia DOT must be listed as additionally insured on the certificate.

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.