West Virginia 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 West Virginia, hauling permits are available for everything from mobile homes to superloads. Permits can be applied for online. Legal limits differ depending on the route chosen: Interstate, U.S. and West Virginia routes have a maximum gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds, a width limit of 8 feet 6 inches and a length limit of 40 feet for a single unit and 70 feet overall. The maximum legal overhang is 3 feet at the front of the vehicle and 6 feet at the rear. Local service routes have a maximum gross vehicle weight of 65,000 pounds and a maximum width of 8 feet. The maximum height of a vehicle on all routes is 13 feet 6 inches.

Oversize and overweight permits are available as single trip, superload and blanket permits. Blanket permits on divided highways are issued for vehicles up to 14 feet 6 inches high, 14 feet wide, 95 feet long and 110,000 pounds. On U.S. routes, they are issued for vehicles up to 14 feet high, 12 feet wide, 75 feet long and 90,000 pounds. On all other roads, they are issued for vehicles up to 13 feet 6 inches high, 12 feet wide, 75 feet long and the legal weight. Single-trip permits are issued for vehicles up to 120,000 pounds, 16 feet wide, with height and weight as long as the route can accommodate. Superload permits have no size and weight limits, but must undergo bridge and route analysis before being issued.

Overweight seagoing containerized cargo and mobile homes up to 14 feet wide are generally issued blanket permits for most major highways.

West Virginia does not issue divisible load permits.

Oversized trucks in West Virginia 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.