Did you or someone you care about suffer injuries in a truck accident involving a possible violation of Alabama trucking regulations? Accidents involving commercial trucks can have devastating consequences, so knowing your rights under state and federal laws is essential.

At Parker Trial Law, we are dedicated to helping victims of severe injuries, including those resulting from truck accidents. Our team has been representing clients in serious injury cases since 2016 and focuses on taking cases to trial to pursue justice for our clients. If a trucking company or driver violated regulations and caused an accident that injured you, our Dothan truck accident attorneys can help you hold them accountable.

Contact Parker Trial Law today for a free initial consultation. We are here to discuss your case and help you take the first steps toward recovery.

Alabama Truck Speed Limits

Alabama Code § 32-5A-170 states that no driver should exceed a speed safe for current conditions and potential hazards. Commercial trucks generally follow the same statewide speed limits as passenger vehicles. These Alabama truck speed limits include:

  • Urban Areas – 30 mph
  • Unpaved Roads – 35 mph
  • Paved, County-Maintained Roads in Unincorporated Areas – 45 mph
  • Non-Interstate Highways with Fewer Than Four Lanes – 55 mph
  • Highways with Four or More Lanes – 65 mph
  • Interstate Highways – 70 mph

However, trucks carrying hazardous cargo must follow stricter rules. These vehicles are subject to a statewide maximum speed of 55 mph.

Alabama Truck Weight Limits

Alabama’s truck weight limits vary depending on the number of axles, the type of road, and specific exemptions. For regular operations, the maximum weight for a single axle is 20,000 pounds, while tandem axles can carry up to 34,000 pounds on interstate highways.

On non-interstate highways, tandem axles can carry up to 36,000 pounds, and tridem axles are limited to 42,000 pounds. The gross weight limit for trucks is 80,000 pounds on interstate highways, but trucks with six or more axles can weigh up to 84,000 pounds on non-interstate roads.

Alabama trucking laws allow a 10 percent tolerance for weight enforcement on non-interstate highways. Exemptions from these limits apply to vehicles transporting cargo like agricultural commodities, cotton, milk for human consumption, and farming implements. Trucks with auxiliary power units can exceed weight limits by up to 400 pounds.

Certain types of vehicles, such as dump trucks and concrete mixers, have specific rules and do not need to follow standard axle spacing requirements. Operators of oversized vehicles can also obtain permits, with allowances for weights up to 150,000 pounds.

Alabama Height, Width, and Length Rules for Trucks

In Alabama, trucks must follow specific rules for height, width, and length when operating on state highways.

The maximum height for any vehicle or trailer, including its load, is 13.5 feet. For truck length, individual vehicles cannot exceed 40 feet. Truck-semitrailer combinations are allowed up to 57 feet, while double trailers used in combination cannot exceed 28.5 feet each.

Trucks and trailers cannot exceed a width of 102 inches (8.5 feet) on highways with lanes 12 feet or wider. On narrower highways, the limit is 96 inches (eight feet). This width does not include mirrors or other safety devices, but any load on a truck must stay within these limits.

Semitrailers longer than 53.5 feet may only operate on designated highways and must meet specific safety requirements, such as installing rear underride guards. Certain vehicles, like those transporting motor vehicles, have additional rules but must adhere to strict limits on cargo extension beyond the front and rear of the vehicle.

Alabama CDL Requirements

You must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Alabama to drive a commercial truck. Alabama classifies CDL licenses into three categories based on the type and weight of the vehicle:

  • Class A is for any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more where the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds.
  • Class B covers any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the towed vehicle does not exceed 10,000 pounds.
  • Class C applies to vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or those carrying hazardous materials requiring placarding.

Before getting your CDL, you must obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), which is valid for 180 days. You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL test. Alabama also requires CDL holders to self-certify their type of commercial operation. Depending on the operation, drivers might need to submit valid medical cards issued by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)-certified doctors.

Alabama Load Securement Rules for Trucks

Alabama follows FMCSA cargo securement rules for commercial trucks. These rules require all cargo to be firmly secured to prevent shifting or falling from commercial vehicles during transit. Cargo securement devices, such as tie-downs, chains, or straps, must meet specific strength standards and be in good working condition. The rules apply to all types of cargo, except bulk commodities like liquids.

The FMCSA also sets performance criteria for securement systems. These systems must withstand forces resulting from deceleration during braking and lateral forces during turns. Operators must secure any cargo that could roll with chocks or wedges to prevent movement during transit.

For general cargo, tie-down systems must have combined working load limits of at least half the weight of the cargo. The number of tie-downs necessary depends on the length and weight of the cargo. Special rules apply to specific types of cargo, such as logs, metal coils, and heavy machinery, which have their own securement requirements to ensure safety during transportation​.

Requirements for Truck Owners and Fleet Managers

Alabama’s Motor Carrier Services Manual outlines several important requirements for truck owners and fleet managers in the state. First, owners must obtain International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) licenses and register under the International Registration Plan (IRP) to legally operate commercial trucks or fleets.

IFTA requires that qualified motor vehicles track and report fuel use and miles traveled across jurisdictions. Each quarter, fleet owners must submit reports on fuel usage and mileage to the Alabama Department of Revenue. Failure to file these reports on time can result in penalties.

For IRP registration, vehicles operating across multiple states must obtain apportioned registrations. The registration fees vary based on the distance operators drive in each jurisdiction. Truck owners must provide documentation, including proof of ad valorem tax payments and federal heavy vehicle use tax for vehicles over 55,000 pounds.

To comply with audits, fleet managers must keep accurate distance and fuel records for six years. They must also ensure all permits, decals, and safety certifications are current and provide the necessary documents when adding or removing vehicles from their fleets.

Trucking Insurance Coverage Requirements

In Alabama, trucking companies must carry insurance that meets the minimum FMCSA coverage requirements. This includes coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration. The minimum coverage amount is $750,000, but it can go up to $5 million depending on the type of cargo, vehicle size, and the number of passengers for carriers. Carriers can meet these requirements through insurance policies, surety bonds, or written authorization from the FMCSA to self-insure.

Federal Trucking Regulations

Federal trucking regulations set important standards to ensure the safety of drivers, other motorists, and the general public. Key federal regulations for commercial trucking companies and drivers include:

  • Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements – CDL drivers must undergo regular drug and alcohol testing to comply with federal regulations. Testing is required before employment, after certain accidents, and on a random basis throughout employment.
  • Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations – HOS rules limit the number of hours a CDL driver can operate without taking a break. Drivers can drive for up to 11 hours within a 14-hour workday following at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. There are also mandatory breaks and weekly limits designed to reduce driver fatigue and improve road safety.
  • Medical Requirements for CDL Drivers – CDL drivers must meet specific medical standards to ensure they are physically fit to operate commercial vehicles. Drivers must undergo medical examinations every two years and carry valid medical cards as proof of compliance.
  • Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) Requirements – The FMCSA requires drivers to use ELDs to record hours of service. These devices aim to ensure compliance with HOS regulations by automatically tracking driving time, rest breaks, and duty status.
  • Vehicle Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance Rules – Federal rules require regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance of commercial vehicles to ensure they meet safety standards. Trucking companies must keep detailed records of all inspections and repairs.
  • Hazardous Materials Regulations – Drivers transporting hazardous materials must follow strict federal guidelines. These operators need special endorsements on their CDLs, and their vehicles must meet specific labeling, safety, and handling requirements.