Massachusetts Trucking Laws and Regulations

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts, the maximum vehicle weight is as follows: a truck with two axles is limited to 46,000 pounds, a truck with three axles is limited to 73,000 pounds, a truck with four or more axles to 87,000 pounds and a truck with five or more axles to 99,000 pounds. The Massachusetts turnpikes and tunnels restrict the height of a truck to less than 13 feet 9 inches. All vehicles are restricted to less than 75 feet in length; some types of vehicles may face more severe length restrictions.

No trucks carrying hazardous cargo and cargo tankers are permitted to enter the Boston tunnels; they must follow the delineated 'trailblazer routes' instead.

A Massachusetts State Police vehicle must escort any vehicle that is higher than 13 feet 9 inches, wider than 12 feet, longer than 100 feet, or weighting more than 130,000 pounds. Two police vehicles must escort any truck wider than 15 feet or longer than 135 feet.

Oversized trucks in Massachusetts 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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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.