The network of commercial trucks that cross our highways is the essence of our economy. These mammoth vehicles transport goods and materials to every corner of the nation, including Missouri. However, the sheer size and power of commercial vehicles also present unique challenges and potential dangers on the road. To ensure the safety of all motorists and maintain ethical practices within the industry, federal and state governments put in place regulations and legal imitations that govern the option of commercial trucks. These limitations cover everything from the number of hours a driver can spend at the wheel to weight limits and load securement standards.
If you suffered injuries as a result of a truck driver or company negligence, the lawyers of Goza & Honnold are prepared to fight for you. We have decades of experience and focused knowledge of Missouri commercial truck regulations, enabling us to build a strong case on your behalf while you focus on recovery.
Missouri Laws and Regulations for Commercial Trucks
The legal limitations surrounding commercial trucks in Missouri are subject to both federal regulations and state-specific laws. The following may apply to your specific truck accident claim:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Commercial trucks operating in Missouri are subject to the same federal regulations that apply nationwide. These regulations cover many aspects of trucking operations, including driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement.
Weight Limits
Missouri enforces weight limits for commercial trucks to prevent excessive wear and tear on roadways, which includes the following:
- 20,000 pounds per axle at most on the interstate, 22,000 pounds on highways, or 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle on interstates, and 36,000 pounds on highways.
- The total gross vehicle weight hinges on the number of axles on the vehicle and the distance between the center of the front-most and rear-most axle. The total weight permitted is 80,000 pounds, with heavier vehicles mandated to obtain oversized weight permits from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Overweight trucks may face fines and be required to offload excess weight before continuing transportation.
Hours of Service
Commercial truck drivers in Missouri must adhere to federal HOS rules, which include the following:
- Drivers are restricted to 14 hours work days and 11 hours of driving before taking a 10-hour break prior to the next duty shift.
- Drivers are restricted to 60 hours of workweeks in a seven-day period or 70 hours on duty in any eight-day period. A driver can renew these periods by taking a 34 consecutive hours break.
- Drivers may not drive over eight hours since their last off-duty or rest period of at least 30 minutes.
Hours of service rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue and improve road safety.
Inspection Requirements
Commercial truck drivers and companies must regularly inspect, maintain, and repair all trucks in their fleet. Truck drivers must also write a post-trip inspection report at the end of each driving day. Before the truck can be operated again, the truck company must certify that any defects noted in a driver’s post-trip inspection report were either fixed or that the condition does not require immediate correction.
Speed Requirements
Missouri has laws and regulations controlling the speed limits for commercial trucks. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, truck drivers must observe the following speed limits:
- 70 MPH on rural interstates and freeways
- 60 MPH on urban interstates and freeways
- 60 MPH on highways unless otherwise posted
Speed limits apply to all commercial trucks with a vehicle weight rating of over 26,000 pounds or towing a trailer or vehicle.
Speak With the Truck Accident Lawyers of Goza & Honnold
Missouri and federal regulations and limitations are vital for the safety of truck drivers and other motorists sharing the road. If you were injured in a truck accident caused by driver or company negligence, speak with the lawyers of Goza & Honnold for an assessment of your case. We will begin a detailed investigation into the accident to determine the causation of the accident and build a case to prove liability.
Schedule a no-cost case consultation with our truck accident lawyers, call our office at (913) 451-3433, or fill out a contact form.