Kentucky Trucking Laws and Regulations

Kentucky 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 Kentucky, interstate and major highways have no length limits on trucks, although trailers are limited to 53 feet in length and 8 feet, 6 inches in width. Other state highways limit trucks to 65 feet in length, 8 feet in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height and a weight of 80,000 pounds. All trucks larger than these dimensions need to apply with the Kentucky Department of Transportation for an oversize permit.

There are no holiday restrictions for permit travel with the exception of superload and house moves, and moves during special events. In Boone, Campbell, Fayette, Jefferson and Kenton counties, however, oversized trucks are not permitted to travel between 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. No oversized travel is permitted on the 431 bridge in Owensboro. Mobile homes can travel only during daylight hours, Monday through Saturday.

Truck companies can apply for a single permit that allows the truck to take one trip during the next 10 days, or an annual permit that allows a specific truck to travel continuously for an entire year. No overheight vehicles are issued an annual permit. Trucks with an annual permit must verify their routes prior to travel with the KYDOT.

Oversized trucks in Kentucky 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?

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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.