Commercial truck operations are governed by federal and state laws. These regulations exist to reduce the risk of accidents involving large trucks and commercial motor vehicles, which often result in serious injuries and fatalities.
If you were injured in a truck accident, an experienced Cincinnati truck accident lawyer at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help. We can examine the circumstances of your case to determine if the truck driver or trucking company may be liable for damages.
Truck Size Restrictions
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, enforces all state trucking operations. This includes placing limits on the height, width and length of commercial trucks.
These restrictions include the following:
Width And Height Limits
The maximum width of a commercial truck is eight feet, six inches or 102 inches. If a truck exceeds this width, it may be restricted to public roads that can account for its larger size. The width limit applies only to the structure of the truck and does not include mirrors or safety devices. Additionally, the height of a commercial truck is limited to 13 feet, six inches.
Length Limits
The general length limitation for commercial trucks is 50 feet. However, a semitrailer when operated in a commercial tractor-semitrailer combination can have a length up to 53 feet.
Ohio Weight Law
Ohio law establishes specific weight limits for commercial trucks. The limit depends on the type and number of axles a commercial truck has. The maximum weight limits are as follows:
- Single axle – 29,000 pounds
- Short tandem – 36,000 pounds
- Short tri axle – 47,000 pounds
- Long tandem – 50,000 pounds
- Short quad axle – 60,000 pounds
- Long tri axle – 60,000 pounds
- Long quad axle – 80,000 pounds
There are additional rules regarding how the weight is disbursed between the vehicle. For example, the maximum weight is equal to the number of tires multiplied by the read width times 800. For example, two tires 11-inch tread width would provide for a maximum weight of 17,600.
Each axle except for the front one must have at least 10,000 pounds.
Federal Bridge Formula
The federal bridge law and formula apply to all interstate and federal highways in the United States. Ohio has adopted the federal bridge formula across the state. Ohio commercial trucking companies that deal in interstate commerce must adhere to these rules.
The legal vehicle weight of a commercial truck on an interstate road is based on the bridge’s external or outer length and the internal bridge. The bridge formula applies to all trucks with gross weights that exceed 73,721 pounds, as well as meets one of the following descriptions:
- Six axles with a wheel base of at least 33 inches
- Five axles with a wheel base of at least 41 inches
- Four axles with a wheel base of at least 47 inches
According to this formula, the following specifications of vehicles would comply with federal and state law:
- A vehicle with a 258-inch wheel base with an overall axle length of 24 feet, up to 68,500 pounds
- A seven-axle vehicle with a 258-inch wheelbase, up to 80,000 pounds
For determining the federal bridge weight of a truck, the axle spacing between groups of axles must be measured.
Contact An Experienced Attorney To Learn More
If you were injured in a truck accident and believe that the truck driver or trucking company may have violated state or federal regulations, it is important to discuss your concerns with our experienced personal injury attorneys in Cincinnati. We can help you in pursuing compensation for the medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering you sustained due to negligence.
At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, we provide a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case, explain your legal rights and the options available to you. There are no upfront fees and because we work on a contingency fee basis. Payment for our services is only owed if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
