Michigan 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 Michigan, Special Transport Permits are issued when a vehicle or load exceeds the legal size and weight permits. Legal size and weight vehicles in Michigan are limited to: less than 96 inches wide or, on designated highways, less than 102 inches wide; less than 13 feet 6 inches high; less than 40 feet long, with some exceptions for truck-tractors, semitrailers and trailers. Buses must be less than 102 inches wide.

Farm equipment that is driven or towed is exempt from any permits, no matter what the dimensions.

Special Transport Permits are issued only for loads that can't be reasonably reduced or transported in another way. No permits are issued for wheel loads that exceed 700 pounds per wheel inch. During spring weight restriction period, no overweight permits are issued, nor are permits issued for loads wider than 14 feet, except during a public emergency.

Oversized trucks and loads are restricted to travel during daylight hours and prohibited from traveling around certain holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Oversized trucks in Michigan 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.