Skip to content

What are the laws in Texas regulating big rigs?

There are several different rules and regulations relating to the usage of big rigs. Texas has specific laws for truckers and big rigs operating in the state. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, also regulate trucks and help engage and coordinate interstate commerce. These federal rules are in depth and extensive. Some of the topics that affect companies and truckers on a federal level include:

  • How the commercial truck is operated
  • What qualifications the driver must have to be on the road
  • The requirements to stop at weigh stations
  • Minimum insurance coverage
  • Vehicle maintenance requirements
  • Vehicle repair requirements
  • Audits at trucking terminals
  • Compliance reviews
  • Inspections at the roadside
  • Investigating complaints
  • Hours of service

State laws also exists for truckers and trucking companies to comply with to remain on the road. Most of those laws cover many of the same items laid out in the federal rules and regulations, and they may be found in Title 7 of the Texas Transportation Code.

Texas rules apply to commercial fleet registration, size and weight limits on state highways, issuing permits for oversized and overweight loads, and restrictions when large or super heavy loads are moved in the state. Texas has incorporated the vast majority of all the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations for intrastate commercial truck operations. The state also makes traffic regulations and rules for how vehicles are allowed to operate on state highways and byways. Additionally, Texas controls issuing commercial driver’s licenses to truckers working or living in the state.

Other Truck Accident FAQs: