The trucking laws in Indiana cover the rules that truckers and their employers must follow to operate. They are extensive, covering diverse topics like size and weight limits, hours of service, and insurance requirements. Each category addresses specific guidelines aimed at maintaining safety standards and accountability on the roads.
We’ll outline the key trucking laws in Indiana. They contain essential information for current and prospective truck drivers and companies in this state’s transportation sector. For more information about the laws, contact our Indiana truck accident lawyers.
Licensing Requirements for Truck Drivers
To operate commercial vehicles in Indiana, drivers must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Here are the key requirements:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate driving.
- Driving Records: A clean driving record is crucial. Background checks are conducted.
- Medical Exam: Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination.
- Federal Regulations: Comply with federal and state trucking laws.
There are also several classes of CDL:
- Class A: Required to drive combination vehicles like semi-trucks, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Class B: For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Class C: Needed to drive vehicles transporting 16+ passengers or hauling hazardous materials.
Some CDL holders may need additional endorsements to transport specific materials or drive particular vehicle types, such as hazardous materials transport or double trailers.
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Size and Weight Regulations
Indiana has set specific size and weight regulations for commercial vehicles to ensure road safety and infrastructure protection. Adhering to these guidelines helps reduce trucking accidents and maintain smooth traffic flow.
Commercial trucks in Indiana must comply with certain size limits. These dimensions include:
- Width: Max width allowed is 102 inches.
- Height: Vehicles cannot exceed 13.6 feet.
- Length: Single vehicles can be up to 40 feet long. For combination vehicles like semi-trucks, the limit is usually around 65 feet to 75 feet, depending on the type.
Indiana enforces strict weight limits to prevent highway damage and ensure vehicle stability. Here are the key commercial truck weight limits:
- Single Axle Weight: Cannot exceed 20,000 pounds.
- Tandem Axle Weight: The maximum allowed is 34,000 pounds.
- Max Tri-Axle Weight: Typically capped at 48,000 pounds.
- Gross Vehicle Weight: Total weight must not exceed 80,000 pounds with proper distribution.
These limits vary based on axle configuration and load type. Trucking companies must ensure compliance with these standards. Failure to do so can result in penalties and an increased risk of truck accidents.
Hours of Service Regulations
Trucking laws in Indiana align with federal regulations to keep roads safe. These laws ensure that commercial truck drivers have enough rest and avoid fatigue, helping prevent trucking accidents and improving safety for everyone on the road.
Daily Driving Limits
For commercial truck drivers in Indiana, there are limits on how much they can drive each day.
- A driver may not drive more than 11 consecutive hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- A driver must not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty, following a period of 10 consecutive hours off duty.
These daily driving limits help reduce the risks associated with driver fatigue in the trucking industry. Drivers are also required to take rest breaks to stay alert and focused. A 30-minute rest break is mandatory if a driver has been on duty for eight consecutive hours without at least a 30-minute interruption.
These breaks help ensure that drivers have the energy and focus needed to operate their commercial trucks safely.
Insurance Requirements for Trucking
Indiana requires commercial trucks to have a minimum amount of insurance coverage. This protects both the trucking company and the public. The exact coverage amount depends on what the truck carries. Here’s a simple breakdown of the minimum liability insurance needed:
- General Freight: $750,000
- Hazardous materials: $1,000,000
- Oil transportation: $1,000,000
- Other hazardous substances: $5,000,000
Trucking companies must keep proof of insurance at all times. This ensures that if a truck accident occurs, the proper paperwork is readily available. Commercial truck drivers should carry a certificate of insurance. This document shows that the truck has the required coverage.
Regulatory bodies can ask for proof of insurance during inspections. A trucking company must maintain up-to-date records. Organizing this documentation helps in case of a surprise audit or questions about coverage levels.
Safety Equipment Regulations
Safety equipment is essential to keep trucks safe on Indiana roads. Here’s a list of what commercial vehicles need:
- Reflective triangles: At least three reflective triangles are needed to warn other drivers if a truck is stopped on the road.
- Fire extinguishers: All commercial trucks must carry a fire extinguisher for emergencies.
- Spare fuses: Keeping spare fuses handy is required to ensure all electrical systems work properly.
- First aid kits: Having a first aid kit is crucial for addressing minor injuries until help arrives.
- Proper lighting: Ensure all lights and reflectors are functional for visibility and safety.
Regular Maintenance Requirements
Trucking companies in Indiana must conduct regular maintenance checks. These checks include inspecting brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components to ensure all commercial vehicles are roadworthy. Routine servicing helps keep commercial trucks in peak condition and reduces the chances of unexpected breakdowns or accidents, which can be costly.
Drivers and trucking companies must keep detailed documentation for each inspection. This documentation serves as proof of compliance with state and federal trucking regulations. This documentation includes:
- Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs): Drivers must complete DVIRs before and after trips to ensure the vehicle’s safety.
- Annual Inspections: Commercial vehicles require an annual inspection by a certified inspector.
- Record Keeping: Companies must maintain records of all maintenance checks and inspections for both company and individual commercial drivers.
Contact an Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer
Indiana’s trucking laws help keep everyone safe on public roads while these big vehicles deliver goods. The regulations cover everything from licensing requirements and size restrictions to insurance coverage and safety equipment standards, creating a comprehensive framework that helps prevent accidents and establish liability when they occur.
Your awareness of these laws can make a significant difference in understanding your rights and options if you’ve been involved in a trucking accident. Contact Vaughan & Vaughan today to schedule a free consultation with our attorneys.
