Trucks are dangerous vehicles for many reasons, including their dimensions. The large height, width, and length of trucks make it difficult for small cars and motorcycles to see in front and around them. The extreme dimensions of trucks also make it much more difficult for the truck driver to see other vehicles – because most trucks rely on side mirrors and not rear-view mirrors to navigate through traffic.

The most recent federal regulations for the dimensions of commercial vehicles were set by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 1982. That law provides that:

• The width of commercial vehicles must be 102 inches or less, except in Hawaii where up to 108 inches is acceptable.
• The length of a truck-tractor and semitrailer combination must be 48 feet or less. Some exceptions do apply. For example, because Tennessee allowed for a 50-foot combination length prior to 1982, 50 feet is permissible for truck-tractors and semitrailers driving on any Tennessee road. The STAA provides that buses must be 45 feet in length or less. Other rules apply for vehicles that transport cars and boats, beverage semitrailers, and a few other commercial vehicle types.
• The height of commercial trucks is not regulated by the federal government

The STAA rules apply to the National Network of Highways. Commercial truck drivers are generally allowed to drive in all 50 states which is why the federal government has uniform minimum requirements for width and length. There are exceptions to the law for farm, military, construction, police, and fire emergency vehicles

Trucks are subject to state regulations on the Tennessee roadways, too

Each state can set its own non-commercial truck vehicle limit, as well as limits for commercial trucks that operate on roads that are not part of the National Network of Highways. The dimension requirements for Tennessee trucks can be found in Title 55, Chapter 7 of the Tennessee Code. The typical height restriction for Tennessee trucks is 13 and ½ feet. If a truck is not in compliance with the federal or Tennessee dimension laws, the company that owns the truck or places the truck on the road may be liable for any truck accidents that occur.

If you were injured in a Tennessee truck accident, or your loved one died because of a truck crash, you have the right to recover damages from the wrongdoers. For answers to your questions and tough representation, please phone the Knoxville truck accident lawyers at Banks & Jones to discuss your case. Please call us at 865-546-2141 or complete our contact form.