Ohio Trucking Rules and Regulations

Ohio enforces strict trucking rules and regulations to ensure road safety. These rules cover maximum vehicle size, driver qualifications, maintenance standards, and more. Truck drivers and trucking companies can face severe consequences if they fail to follow these regulations. These consequences can include hefty fines, loss of commercial driving privileges, and even legal action if their negligence leads to accidents.

Size and Weight Limits of Commercial Vehicles

According to Ohio DOT commercial vehicle regulations, vehicles must adhere to specific size and weight limit s. The maximum width for these vehicles is 8.5 feet, and the maximum height is 13.5 feet. The length limits vary by type. Semitrailers can be up to 53 feet long. When two trailers or semitrailers are coupled with a commercial tractor, each can be 28.5 feet long. Though there are exceptions, most vehicle combinations can be no longer than 65 feet. Concerning weight, commercial vehicles can carry up to 80,000 pounds, but this limit can vary depending on the truck’s axle configuration. Truck drivers must make sure their vehicle’s size and weight do not violate Ohio’s commercial vehicle restrictions.

Ohio DOT Regulations for Driver Qualification Requirements

Anyone who drives a commercial vehicle in Ohio must meet specific requirements. First, they must be at least 18, hold a valid Ohio driver’s license, and prove their U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status. They will also need to complete and pass several tests, including vision and knowledge tests for each vehicle class and endorsement. They will also need to pass skills tests on pre-trip inspections and basic maneuverability, as well as a road test, all of which must be completed within set time limits.

Hours of Service Rules

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets nationwide hours of service (HOS) rules for interstate commercial drivers to prevent fatigue-related accidents, which Ohio has largely adopted. Here are the main trucking regulations for hours of service rules:

Drivers can drive up to 11 hours daily, but only after ten consecutive hours off-duty.
Each workday, drivers can only operate their vehicles within a 14-hour window. This window starts when they first begin working, not just driving.
Drivers must take 30-minute breaks anytime they have driven for eight straight hours.
Drivers cannot drive more than 60 hours in seven days or 70 hours in eight days, which resets when they take 34 consecutive hours off.

Maintenance, Inspection, and Repair Requirements

According to Ohio trucking law, motor carriers must regularly inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) under their control. This includes daily pre- and post-trip driver inspections to verify the vehicle’s safe operating condition. Additionally, every CMV must undergo an annual inspection by a certified inspector. These inspections cover essential parts like brakes, steering mechanisms, lighting, tires, and emergency equipment to confirm they’re in safe working order. Carriers must also keep maintenance files for each CMV, documenting all inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities.

Contact our Akron Truck Accident Lawyers for Help

If you were hurt in a truck accident because a truck driver or trucking company ignored Ohio trucking regulations, contact the Akron truck accident lawyers at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, today for a free consultation. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and guide you through your options for recovery.