"STAA approved routes....."

That depends on state law. Some states have overall length limits that staa trucks are not subject to on staa routes. Some have longer limits. Some don't really enforce those limits.

 

I always wondered what STAA stands for.

 

You can learn a lot by reading the section on State Access Policies in your Rand McNally Motor Carrier's Atlas. Most states have their policies on their respective department of transportation websites as well.

Basically, if it isn't highlighted orange in your atlas, it's not an approved STAA route, which means you need to abide by that particular state's laws regarding non-STAA routes. Besides state laws, then you have local jurisdictions. Most states allow 1 mile off of the STAA routes. This is documented where I mentioned above. Carriers can get permission to be on certain routes if they apply for said permission. Personally, I often run into more restrictions since I pull doubles and frequently have hazmat.

So the moral of the story is that if it isn't an STAA route, and you're beyond that distance allowed from the national network per that state, and even if there aren't any low bridges or other listed restrictions in your atlas, you could still get a ticket. I've known lots of drivers that decided to just 'wing it' and got into some trouble - and some of these drivers didn't even bother checking for low bridges, even if it was still illegal!

 

Surface Transportation Assistance Act.

 

It's not illegal unless it's posted "Resticted" by the state.

And even then, it might be restricted for say a certain length.

I went through this awhile back on the road Arizona 260.
It's not STAA classified, but it's not restricted either, and I called bear and verified it.
That highway turns into the Arizona 87, and one mile north of where it joins, it's restricted, and posted.
They should have it listed on the states DOT, if it is.

And if it is marked restricted, and you try it, you probably won't make it. Then bear is going to barbecue your ### in molasses.

 

Read the atlas on states rules, talk to the other drivers at the terminal to see what they do. And sometimes them Dot officers in the coop can give you some good information..or set you up.

 

Indiana 1 to bypass the one on 74 at OH/IN border is another. I've ran that in day cab with 53 footer. Won't do it again. Not approved for trucks, though lots still use it.