What Are Some Commercial Vehicle Laws In Texas?

On behalf of Lovett Law Firm posted in Truck Accidents on Monday, April 13, 2015.

There are a number of laws commercial vehicle drivers need to follow in Texas. Not doing so can put other drivers at risk as well as putting the truck driver in danger. For instance, did you know that while it may be okay for passengers in a bus not to be buckled up, the driver is required to be properly restrained?

When it comes to the weight of a vehicle, heavier isn’t always better. As you know, a large vehicle striking a little passenger car could result in serious injuries or death. That’s why Texas has a law that restricts the driving of vehicles over the port-of-entry between nd the United Mexican States if it is over 20,000 pounds on one axle or heavier than 34,000 pounds on all axles.

Vehicles heavier than that can cause massive amounts of damage and are considered unsafe for the roadways. Outside this area, the overall gross weight on two or more axles must not exceed 80,000 pounds. No vehicles may be heavier than 80,000 maximum anywhere else in the state.

Another thing that’s important to know is if the driver in your accident had a proper commercial driver’s license. In some cases, when a vehicle has a trailer but is still light, the driver may not need a CDL. This is true for people who have trucks with light hauling capabilities, like those who carry a caravan or mobile trailer on the tail of their trucks. Larger vehicles, like tankers and semi-trucks, do require a CDL, so if the driver doesn’t have one, it’s illegal for him to be on the roads.

Source: Texas Department of Public Safety, “Seat Belt Laws,” accessed April. 13, 2015