New York 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 to issue permits allowing overweight or oversized vehicles to travel on these highways or any other roads.

In New York, trucks that exceed the following limits must apply for overweight permits: 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height or 40 feet in length. Trucks that exceed 22,400 pounds on one axle or 36,000 pounds on two axles must also apply for overweight permits. Trucks that can separate their loads into different units without harming the integrity of the cargo – for example, aggregate, logs, scrap metal, etc., can apply for a divisible load permit. Trucks with indivisible loads, such as construction equipment, self-propelled cranes or manufactured homes, can apply for a special hauling permit.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that all trucks carry insurance: a minimum of $750,000 liability insurance, $500,000 cargo insurance, and a $10,000 bond. In New York, insurance must be on file with the State of New York by a blanket policy that provides the state with insurance coverage for each trip, by a certificate of protective liability on state highways filed with the state, by a $10,000-$50,000 bond on file with the state for a superload (a truck more than 16 feet high, 16 feet wide or over 250,000 pounds), or the applicant agrees to assume all responsibility and liability for damages.

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.