Regulations around semi-truck operations are crucial for ensuring safety on California’s highways. These restrictions are designed to prevent accidents, preserve road infrastructure, and facilitate smooth traffic flow. By setting limits on weight, height, lane usage, and other important matters, California helps create a safer driving environment for everyone. If you or someone you know is involved in a truck accident, legal options are often available to seek compensation with the help of an experienced Orange County truck accident attorney. Understanding these regulations provides victims with the knowledge to take action.
Weight Restrictions for Semi Trucks in California
In California, the maximum gross weight for a semi-truck is set at 80,000 pounds. This is known as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). It’s essential for truck operators to comply with these limits to prevent potential hazards and avoid penalties. When it comes to axle weight, there are clear rules as well: a single axle must not exceed 20,000 pounds, while a tandem axle is permitted to carry up to 34,000 pounds. These limits ensure that trucks don’t exert too much pressure on the road, which could lead to dangerous conditions or damage to infrastructure.
Height Restrictions for Semi-Trucks
The maximum allowed height for semi-trucks in California is 14 feet. Some routes have bridges with lower clearances, so it’s crucial for truck drivers to be aware of these special paths to prevent mishaps. If a truck exceeds the legal height limit, it can lead to collisions with low bridges, which can cause injuries and significant damage.
Width Restrictions for Semi Trucks
Semi-trucks in California have a legal width limit of 8.5 feet. This ensures that trucks fit comfortably within traffic lanes and pass safely under various roadway structures. Drivers need to adhere to this width regulation to avoid penalties and travel safely alongside other vehicles.
Length Restrictions for Combination Vehicles
In California, the length rules for combination vehicles vary based on the route. Generally, vehicles like a truck tractor with a semitrailer or a truck tractor with both a semitrailer and trailer are limited to 65 feet, 75 feet, or potentially have no length restrictions at all, depending on the situation. It’s important for drivers to be aware of the specific requirements for their chosen route to ensure they stay within legal limits and avoid any issues on the road.
Lane Requirements for Trucks in California
When driving a truck, drivers always need to look for signs that tell them which lane to use. If there aren’t any signs, they must stick to the right-hand lane. But if they’re on a road with four or more lanes, they can also use the lane that’s just to the left of the right-hand lane. If the truck driver needs to pass another vehicle, they can do so in the designated lane, the second-to-right lane, or the right lane. (b) Any trailer bus, except as provided in Section 21655.5, and any vehicle subject to the provisions of Section 22406 shall be driven in the lane or lanes designated pursuant to subdivision (a) whenever signs have been erected giving notice of that designation. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, when a specific lane or lanes have not been so designated, any of those vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right edge or curb. If, however, a specific lane or lanes have not been designated on a divided highway having four or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, any of those vehicles may also be driven in the lane to the immediate left of that right-hand lane, unless otherwise prohibited under this code. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, the driver shall use either the designated lane, the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, or the right-hand lane for traffic as permitted under this code. If a truck driver breaks the lane requirements, there are penalties to keep in mind. For a first offense, they might face a fine of up to $100. If it happens a second time within a year, the fine could be up to $200, and a third offense in the same year could result in a fine of up to $250. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a large truck and believe they were behaving negligently and/or broke some of these regulations, working with a personal injury lawyer in Orange County is essential. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.