Trucking plays a major role in Texas’s economy, as anyone who’s driven on I-37 or US-181 in Corpus Christi can confirm. However, large commercial vehicles also pose significant safety risks. Texas trucking laws establish specific regulations for speed, weight, size, and licensing to ensure highways are safe and prevent avoidable crashes. When truck drivers or their employers fail to comply with state and federal regulations, the consequences can be severe.
If you suffered injuries in a collision involving a commercial truck, a Corpus Christi truck accident lawyer at The Patel Firm can help you. Contact us today to get started with a free case evaluation, where you can learn about your legal options and how we can fight to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Texas Truck Speed Limits
Heavy trucks require longer stopping distances and pose greater risks in high-speed crashes. The speed limit for large commercial vehicles in Texas varies depending on the roadway and vehicle type. Trucks may travel at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour on most rural interstates, though certain stretches allow speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. Urban interstates and state highways often have lower limits, ranging from 55 to 70 miles per hour. Speed limits in other environments may be much lower.
Truck drivers also have a responsibility to adjust their speed according to weather, traffic, and road conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit. Drivers face traffic citations, CDL penalties, or civil liability if they cause an accident by exceeding a safe speed. When a truck driver violates Texas speed regulations, it can be a key factor in establishing negligence after an accident.
Texas Truck Weight Limits
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) enforces strict Texas truck weight limits to promote road safety and protect road surfaces from damage caused by heavy commercial vehicles. Generally, trucks may carry the following:
- A gross vehicle weight of up to 80,000 pounds on highways
- Up to 20,000 pounds for single axles
- Up to 34,000 pounds for tandem axles
The TxDMV may also issue oversize or overweight permits for specific loads, such as construction materials or industrial equipment. By outlining the approved route, allowable weight, and travel times, these permits help to reduce roadway stress and traffic hazards.
Exceeding weight limits without authorization can lead to significant fines, out-of-service orders, and liability if the violation contributes to an accident. Overloaded trucks are more difficult to control and stop, which increases the risk of tire blowouts and crashes.
Texas Height, Width, and Length Rules for Trucks
Commercial vehicles are held to size limitations to maintain roadway safety and prevent damage to Texas bridges and overpasses.
The maximum width for most trucks is 102 inches (8 feet, 6 inches), while the maximum height is 14 feet. Taller vehicles require special permits and designated routes to avoid low-clearance structures. The maximum length for a single vehicle is 45 feet, and for combination vehicles, the total length typically may not exceed 65 feet, although some exceptions apply for specific configurations, such as saddle mounts or certain truck-tractor combinations.
The TxDMV oversees oversize and overlength permits, which include travel restrictions such as daylight-only movement or pilot escort requirements. When a truck’s size contributes to a collision or roadway obstruction, an operator may face costly citations and increased liability.
Texas CDL Requirements
Commercial vehicle operators must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The licensing process ensures drivers have the knowledge and skills to operate large or specialized vehicles safely. As in most areas of commercial trucking regulation, Texas follows federal CDL standards established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The following are the three primary CDL classes:
- Class A – Required to operate combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds
- Class B – Required for single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle towing a unit weighing 10,000 pounds or less
- Class C – Required for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials requiring placards
Texas CDL applicants must pass knowledge and skills tests, submit a medical examiner’s certificate, and maintain a clean driving record. Tankers, doubles/triples, or hazardous materials typically require additional endorsements. Failing to meet CDL requirements or operating without a valid CDL can result in disqualification, fines, and increased liability in the event of an accident.
Texas Load Securement Rules for Trucks
Regarding cargo securement, Texas adopts the guidelines outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) Part 393, Subpart I. These strict rules are designed to prevent shifting or falling loads that could cause serious crashes or roadway hazards. Failure to comply with load securement regulations can lead to out-of-service violations, significant fines, or civil liability if unsecured cargo contributes to an accident or roadway obstruction in Texas.
Truck drivers and carriers must ensure that cargo is firmly immobilized or secured using appropriate tie-downs, blocking, or bracing. The number and strength of tie-downs depend on the weight, length, and type of cargo being transported. For example, loads shorter than five feet generally require at least one or two tie-downs, while longer or heavier loads require more. Special materials such as chains, wire rope, or synthetic webbing must meet minimum working load limits.
Truckers hauling logs, concrete pipes, heavy machinery, vehicles, and other specialized cargo types must adhere to specific securement standards. Drivers must also inspect their cargo within the first 50 miles of a trip and periodically thereafter to confirm that everything remains secure.
Requirements for Truck Owners and Fleet Managers
The ongoing responsibilities of truck owners and fleet managers in Texas go beyond simply maintaining their vehicles. They must comply with both state and federal safety standards to operate legally and protect other motorists. Truck owners and fleet managers must do the following:
- Keep accurate maintenance and inspection records
- Conduct regular vehicle inspections
- Promptly address mechanical issues
- Verify that drivers hold valid CDLs and maintain required medical certifications
- Provide appropriate safety and compliance
Fleet operators are responsible for implementing hours-of-service monitoring, drug and alcohol testing programs, and driver qualification files as required under FMCSA regulations. Carriers must also ensure that their vehicles meet TxDMV registration and permitting requirements, including any oversize or overweight permits.
Companies that neglect these obligations may face financial liability if one of their trucks causes an accident. Careful compliance not only reduces the risk of penalties but also helps prevent serious crashes on Texas roads.
Trucking Insurance Coverage Requirements
Texas requires all commercial motor carriers to maintain a minimum level of liability insurance to cover injuries and property damage resulting from trucking accidents. The amount depends on the vehicle type and cargo.
For most commercial trucks transporting non-hazardous freight within the state, the minimum coverage is $500,000. Trucks carrying oil or hazardous materials must carry between $1 million and $5 million in liability coverage under federal and Texas trucking regulations.
In addition to primary liability, many carriers maintain cargo insurance, bobtail coverage, and general liability policies to protect against other losses. Fleet owners must also ensure that their insurance providers file proper Form E (proof of liability insurance) and Form H (proof of cargo insurance) certificates with the TxDMV to verify coverage.
Having adequate insurance protects both the public and the company in the event of an accident. Companies that operate without the required coverage risk steep fines and liability after a crash, and the TxDMV may even revoke their operating authority.
Federal Trucking Regulations
The FMCSA is the federal agency responsible for regulating the trucking industry across the United States.
To achieve its mission of reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large commercial vehicles, the agency establishes nationwide safety and operational standards. Texas trucking companies that operate across state lines or handle certain types of cargo must comply with these federal rules in addition to state regulations.
The FMCSA regulates the following:
- Hours-of-service (HOS) limits for commercial drivers
- Electronic logging device (ELD) requirements
- Vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance standards
- Driver qualification and medical certification
- Drug and alcohol testing programs
- Hazardous materials transportation
- Cargo securement and load requirements
- CDL standards and disqualifications
- Recordkeeping and compliance audits
- Minimum insurance coverage for motor carriers
Together, these regulations create a unified safety framework for commercial trucking, promoting accountability among drivers, carriers, and fleet operators nationwide.
Contact a Corpus Christi Trucking Accident Lawyer
A collision with a commercial truck on the Crosstown Expressway or Padre Island Drive can cause catastrophic harm and leave you wondering where to turn. Trust The Patel Firm to manage your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We’re committed to providing strong, yet highly personalized representation and communicating with our clients at every step. Our successful track record of helping accident victims in the Coastal Bend region and throughout Texas demonstrates the value of this approach.
The Patel Firm is available 24/7 to help you after a truck accident in Corpus Christi. Contact us right away for a free, fully confidential case review to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.