Indiana 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.

The Indiana Department of Transportation issues permits for superload vehicles that exceed the following dimensions: 16 feet wide, 15 feet high, 110 feet long or a total gross weight of 108,000 pounds. (Note that there are six configurations of trucks that can receive a “routine issue” permit up to 120,000 pounds.) Vehicles with superload permits require additional effort, engineering judgment and coordination among the six district offices of INDOT. INDOT uses special computer programs to determine how and under what circumstances trucks with superload permits can cross bridges.

There is a telephone superload program, which expedites permits for trucks with known configurations and dimensions that have been shown to do little damage to Indiana's highways and bridges.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that trucks carry minimum insurance coverage: $750,000 for liability insurance, $500,000 for cargo insurance, and a $10,000 bond. In Indiana, INDOT requires a certificate of insurance to be on file in minimum amounts of $25,000/50,000/10,000 for personal liability and property damage. Processing of insurance certificates takes one to three days.

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.