What are the truck laws in Florida?
The state of Florida imposes regulations on the commercial trucking business, in addition to federal laws. It is important to know and obey federal and state regulations while driving a commercial truck to increase your safety and the safety of those around you. The Florida Highway Patrol Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (OCVE) and the Florida Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Size and Weight enforce the regulations.
Florida trucking regulations cover:
- Size and weight of the truck
- Oversize and overweight permits
- Commercial licenses
- Transportation of hazardous materials
- Registration
- Insurance
- Driver safety examinations
- Inspection procedures
Florida requires drivers to obey individual load limit signs on roads and bridges. Maximum size and weight limits for commercial trucks include a gross weight of 88,000 pounds (in certain conditions), a width of 8 ½ feet, a height of 13 ½ feet, and a maximum overhang in the front of 3 feet. Florida allows a 10% scale tolerance, meaning your truck must be within 10% of the weight limit on the scale to pass.
Oversize/overweight permits are issued to cover travel from a specific point of departure to a specific destination. Blanket permits may also be issued if you need to take multiple trips, but they do not last longer than 12 months. These permits allow the transportation of commercial trucks that exceed the maximum height, weight, width, and length of Florida’s regulations.
What are the safety regulations and inspection requirements for trucks in Florida?
Drivers of commercial trucks must have a commercial trucking license. They must also abide by seatbelt laws, record their duty status in a log book, and drive responsibly. If a truck is transporting hazardous materials, the items must be properly packaged, registered, marked, and secured. Drivers of trucks carrying hazardous materials must also have shipping papers for the items, as well as proper training and emergency response information.
Safety inspections are performed by an OCVE law enforcement officer or other authorized agent. These inspections cover the driver’s responsibilities, as well as the truck’s status to ensure the safety of the vehicle. If a violation is found, Florida allows 15 days to make necessary changes and repairs before the truck may continue its passage.