January 17, 2026 | Truck Accident
Intrastate trucking in Tennessee refers to commercial truck operations that occur entirely within state borders. Unlike interstate trucking, which is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), intrastate carriers are governed by Tennessee-specific rules and enforcement agencies.Many of Tennessee’s regulations closely resemble federal standards, but important differences exist. These distinctions can become relevant after a truck accident, particularly when determining whether a carrier or driver violated state safety requirements. Understanding Tennessee’s intrastate trucking rules can help clarify liability issues in injury claims.Tennessee Weight Limits for Commercial Trucks
Tennessee enforces truck weight limits to protect roadways, bridges, and public safety. In most cases, commercial trucks operating on state highways may not exceed a gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds. This figure includes the combined weight of the truck, trailer, cargo, and fuel.Axle-specific limits also apply. A single axle may carry no more than 20,000 pounds, while tandem axles are capped at 34,000 pounds. Tennessee follows the federal bridge formula, which calculates safe weight distribution based on axle spacing to reduce stress on bridges.Trucks that exceed standard weight limits must obtain an overweight permit from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Operating without a required permit can result in citations and may increase liability exposure if an accident occurs.Size Restrictions for Trucks Operating in Tennessee
Tennessee law also limits the size of commercial vehicles. Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 55-7-202 sets width and height restrictions that vary depending on the type of roadway.For most highways, the maximum width is 8 feet, and the maximum height is 13½ feet. On interstate highways and designated federal and state highway systems, vehicles may be up to 8 feet 6 inches wide and 13 feet 6 inches tall. These distinctions matter when accidents occur on local or county roads that fall outside the federal system.Length restrictions are addressed under T.C.A. § 55-7-201. Single-unit trucks are limited to 45 feet in length. For tractor-trailer combinations, the trailer may not exceed 52 feet from the point of attachment. Additional limits apply to the kingpin-to-rear-axle distance for certain trailers. \Oversized vehicles must obtain special permits, and extremely large loads may require escort vehicles.CDL Requirements for Tennessee Intrastate Drivers
Tennessee requires commercial drivers to hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) when operating qualifying vehicles. A CDL is required for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.Drivers transporting hazardous materials that require placarding must also hold a CDL with the appropriate endorsement. To obtain a Tennessee CDL, drivers must meet age requirements, hold a valid Class D license, complete Entry-Level Driver Training, and pass written and skills tests.Intrastate drivers must also meet Tennessee’s medical qualification standards. These requirements may differ slightly from federal rules, depending on the driver’s classification and endorsements.Hours of Service Regulations
Hours-of-service (HOS) rules are designed to reduce fatigue-related crashes. Tennessee generally applies the same HOS standards used for interstate drivers.Under these rules, drivers may operate for up to 11 hours after at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers have a 14-hour work window once they begin their day and must take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving. Weekly limits restrict drivers to 60 hours over seven days or 70 hours over eight days, with a 34-hour restart available.These regulations apply to most intrastate trucking operations in Tennessee and promote consistency with federal safety standards.Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Requirements
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are used to track driving time and HOS compliance. Most commercial vehicles are required to use ELDs, though some exemptions apply.The short-haul exception applies to drivers who operate within a 150 air-mile radius of their reporting location and return within 14 hours. Drivers who qualify may use paper time records instead of ELDs, but they must still comply with all HOS limits.Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Standards
Tennessee requires commercial drivers to conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections. Drivers must complete Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports when safety-related defects are discovered, and carriers must repair those defects before returning vehicles to service.The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division conducts roadside inspections and compliance reviews. Carriers are also responsible for annual inspections and maintaining detailed maintenance records that document ongoing safety practices.Contact a Nashville Truck Accident Lawyer from Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a Free Consultation
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries and long-term consequences. For more information, contact an experienced Nashville truck accident lawyer at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free consultation today. We can answer your initial questions and learn more about your case.If you’ve been injured in an accident in Lexington or Bowling Green, please contact our car accident lawyers at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free case evaluation.Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC – Lexington, KY Office
325 W Main St #210, Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 550-2900Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC -Bowling Green, KY Office
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(270) 517-2014Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC – Nashville Office
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