Weight and size limit questions..... Kinda confusing....

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jh23job, Sep 3, 2007.

  1. jh23job

    jh23job Bobtail Member

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    Sep 2, 2007
    Duluth, Minnesota
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    Looking through my new Motor Carrier Atlas, I see that there's tables for weight and size limits. Are these enforced?? If so, Which states ?? I see that 12 states have trailer length restrictions of only 48 feet, and 7 of those have certain restrictions to allow on freeways a trailer of 53 feet. That means 5 states ( CT, NH, NM, UT, WI ) are no exception states, 48 feet is it !! What ?? I see 53's running these states non-stop. Am I reading this wrong, or don't they enforce the issue ?? Also, there's Seven states where the trailer can't be more than 96 inch width... Hmmm, There again I see 102's all over the place.
    Can Someone please set me straight ??

    Thanks !!!
     
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  3. Burky

    Burky Road Train Member

    All states currently provide access to 53/102's. However, by the letter of the law they are legally limited to interstates and designated highways, and reasonable access within 5 miles of the interstate truck routes, and a few states enforce those rules. The states can set their own legalities, such as kingpin dimensions and other things. The states that tend to be the most critical of operating 53's are ones in the Northeast region. For the rest of the country, you can pretty much use a 53" with no restrictions.
     
  4. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    3,713
    May 6, 2007
    Mississippi
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    This is one topic we could/would spend all day on. As Burky stated, individual states have different applications of the law. Even some cities have different interpretations of it.

    Lancaster, TX had to be ordered by a Federal Judge to cease and desist with their efforts to shut down "legal" traffic within their city. So they decided to start enforcing newly passed "No Idle" laws instead.

    Even the wonderful city of Cincinnati OH had to be ordered into compliance of Federal Laws. Concerning enforcement of "truck restrictions" placed on trucks (by them) coming through another city, in another state....Florence, KY

    While we are allowed to use 102/53 trailers on the "National" system. Many localities and states are trying their best to restrict their use even further.

    Just keep your eyes and ears open at all times for the restrictions, and how they apply to your combo. Talk with local drivers frequently, since many cities and counties will just throw a sign up, to discourage truck traffic. There will be no actual law preventing it, nor will there be enforcement.

    Where I live, I can move easily down "county" roads with no enforcement. Roads in better shape, in other states, would get me a ticket.
     
  5. uncle bill

    uncle bill Bobtail Member

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    May 1, 2007
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    In your motor carrier atlas, designated routes are marked. 53/102's are allowed by federal law. Plan your routing by them and you won't have a problem. However, there are a few exceptions you must learn like California and their kingpin to axle length. When you have to leave the designated routes for p/u and delivery it normally isn't a problem, and if it is, you can't plan for it.:biggrin_25525:
     
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