Tennessee 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.

Tennessee requires permits for trucks over 80,000 pounds; or 18,000 pounds on a single axle or 32,000 pounds on a tandem axle on local roads. A straight truck can be no longer than 40 feet, and a truck with trailer is limited to 65 feet. However, if the truck is transporting livestock or motor vehicles, it can tote an attachment an additional 52 inches in length. Vertical clearances allowed on these roads range from 5 feet 2 inches to 14 feet 5 inches.

Oversized trucks can travel only during daylight hours (half an hour before sunrise until half an hour past sunset), Monday through Fridays; no Sunday, holiday, or nighttime travel is allowed, nor is travel permitted during inclement weather. Permits are available for a single trip, taken within six days of issuance; annual permits for specific trucks are also available. Maximum overload width is 16 feet and maximum height is 15 feet. All trucks higher than 13 feet 6 inches require special routing, an escort car, and markings on the front and rear of the truck.

Trucks larger than 85 feet long or 12 feet 6 inches wide are not permitted to travel within city limits between 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Department of Transportation reserves the right to further restrict routes and travel times at any time.

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 addition, in Tennessee, truck companies must agree to hold the state of Tennessee harmless for any damages caused by overweight trucks, and must furnish the Commissioner of Transportation a certificate of insurance for $300,000 per claimant and $1,000,000 per occurrence. The insurer must agree to give the Tennessee Department of Transportation written notice of intention to terminate this insurance by certified mail.

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.