People embarking on road trips aren’t the only ones traveling Arizona’s extensive roadways. Motorists share state highways with large commercial trucks transporting goods. Due to the considerable size and weight of semi trucks, truck drivers and trucking companies must abide by federal rules to help ensure everyone’s safety.
However, too many truckers, their employers and third parties routinely violate these rules, some intentionally and others unintentionally. These lapses and breaches often lead to fatal consequences warranting a truck accident lawsuit.
If you’re seeking fair compensation through an injury claim, knowing these trucking rules can help build your case.
Weight limits
Trucks are built to hold heavy cargo, but they must follow weight restrictions. Due to economic strains, overloading is still a dangerous practice.
An overloaded truck is unsteady and vulnerable to issues like brake failure and tire blowout. A driver losing control can cause serious accidents like jackknifing and rollovers.
An overloaded truck violates Arizona law. Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) sections 28-1100 sets the following maximum gross weights:
- 20,000 pounds for one-axle vehicles
- 34,000 pounds for tandem axle vehicles
- 80,000 pounds for vehicles with five axles or more
Drivers can only apply for special permits for oversized and overweight loads if they meet certain conditions. ARS sections 28-1103 specify these.
Speed limits
Because of their size and weight, trucks need longer distances to stop. Lower speeds reduce the chances and severity of collisions.
ARS sections 28-709 impose a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour on highways for large vehicles. This rule applies to:
- Vehicles with a declared gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds
- Vehicles drawing a pole trailer that weighs 6,000 pounds or more
Note that the 26,000-pound limit does not apply to vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers.
Inspection requirements
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requires annual inspections for commercial vehicles weighing 10,001 pounds or more. Section 396 lists components that carriers must submit.
In addition to annual federal inspections, CFR section 396.11 mandates drivers to inspect and report on the following parts and equipment at the end of each day:
- Service brakes, including trailer brake connections
- Parking brake
- Steering mechanism
- Lighting devices and reflectors
- Tires
- Horn
- Windshield wipers
- Rear vision mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Wheels and rims
- Emergency equipment
Truck drivers must also pass requirements for commercial driver’s licenses that correspond with different designations and sizes of commercial vehicles.
The above rules and regulations highlight some of the complexities of holding negligent parties accountable in truck accidents. Multiple people and entities, with their own insurance companies and deep pockets typically fight hard to avoid responsibility.
