South Carolina 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 South Carolina, overweight and oversized truck permits can be issued for mobile homes up to 100 feet long, and for legal sized trucks with a maximum overhang of 5 feet. The height of the truck must be at least 6 inches less than any overhead structures on the permit route. Overwide permits will be issued for trucks and mobile homes up to 16 feet wide. Overweight permits will be issued for vehicles with two axles up to 40,000 pounds or a combination of vehicles with seven axles at a weight of up to 130,000 pounds. These vehicles may have continuous travel as long as they can flow with the traffic.

Implements of husbandry, fire apparatus, forestry equipment, and road machinery are exempt up to 12 feet wide and up to 90,000 pounds.

Permits are issued only for loads that cannot be readily disassembled. All movements must take place over highways with 12-foot lanes or wider, whenever possible. Loads wider than 14 feet can only travel on four-lane highways and must be the only vehicle on any bridge less than 18 feet. No movement can take place during inclement weather: when visibility is less than 1,000 feet, or when the roads are hazardous due to ice, snow or sleet. Travel must take place during daylight hours (half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset) and is prohibited on Sundays and holidays, as well as during peak times around urban areas.

Oversized trucks in South Carolina 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.