Over 20 million commercial vehicles are weighed yearly at the Florida highway weigh stations. Commercial truck weight enforcement keeps these extra-large vehicles in line and your roads safe. It may not seem important, but trucks could easily get overloaded without this enforcement.
This could significantly damage the roads and put other drivers in danger. As a commercial truck driver, it’s important to know and follow Florida’s maximum weight limits.
Florida Vehicle Restrictions
The Florida statutes outline how physically large a vehicle can be when operating on Florida highways. However, it isn’t just the height, width, and length limits that commercial truck drivers must consider. There are also weight limits.
The state imposes commercial truck weight restrictions because highways are designed to withstand a certain amount of weight. Drive on them with weight over this limit, and the road can prematurely break apart. This creates a dangerous surface for other drivers and increases maintenance costs for the state.
Maximum Weight Allowed
These are the maximum weight limits that all vehicles driving on Florida highways must abide by. While these maximum limits are far beyond what a passenger vehicle weighs, they apply to commercial trucks.
As you can see, there is an overall maximum weight. There is also a maximum weight for the vehicle’s number of axles. The axle is the central shaft or bar that goes under the vehicle and connects the wheels on either side.
A standard semi truck with an attached trailer will have five axles. Knowing the distance between the first and last axles is also important.
- Gross Vehicle Weight – 80,000 pounds
- Single Axle – 22,000 pounds maximum
- Tandem Axle – 44,000 pounds maximum
Van Straight Truck
A straight van truck looks like a local delivery truck or moving truck. The cab is permanently connected to the cargo box.
- The maximum weight allowed is 53,141 pounds.
- Single Axle – 22,000 pounds
- Tandem Axle – 44,000 pounds
- Length – 14 feet
Tractor Semi-Trailer
A tractor semi-trailer is a cab with a trailer attached. These are the semi trucks that you typically see driving freight and cargo on the highway. The cab can separate from the trailer and drop it off at the delivery destination.
- Single Axle – 22,000 pounds
- Tandem Axle – 44,000 pounds
- Length – 51 feet
- Internal bridge 1 – 16 feet
- Internal bridge 2 – 40 feet
Tractor Tanker Semi-Trailer
This style of commercial truck uses a similar semi-cab as a tractor-trailer combo. However, instead of the trailer, it attaches to a large tank. These trucks haul milk, gasoline, and other large quantities of liquid.
- The maximum weight allowed is 73,271 pounds.
- Single Axle – 22,000 pounds
- Tandem Axle – 44,000 pounds
- Bridge Length – 36 feet
Truck Exceptions
Some exceptions to the maximum vehicle weight include dump trucks, concrete mixers, and waste collection vehicles. These vehicles’ sole purpose is to haul extremely heavy cargo. Because of this, special weight and size limits apply.
- Maximum Gross Weight – 70,000 pounds
- Maximum Weight on Front Axle – 14,520 pounds
Motor Carrier Size and Weight Program
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) follows the Motor Carrier Size and Weight Program (MCSAW) to enforce maximum weight limits. The weight enforcement program aims to protect Florida’s highways and bridges from damage.
Weigh Stations
Florida commercial truck weight limits are informed with the use of weigh stations. They are located throughout the state and are open 24/7. While there are some exceptions, all commercial trucks are required to stop at all weigh stations.
Commercial truck drivers who fail to stop when required can find themselves heavily fined.
Weigh-In-Motion Interstate-Based Weigh Stations
Modern weight stations use weight-in-motion systems. These are sensors placed on the road’s surface. As the truck drives over the sensors, they weigh the truck.
Trucks that are within an acceptable range are green-lighted. Trucks that fall outside of the threshold get red-flagged and pulled to the side for a more accurate weighing and inspection.
These sensors have sophisticated calibration. They can detect the axel spacing to determine the truck’s weight class correctly. Several of these weigh station systems are in place throughout the state.
- Flagler
- Madison
- Martin
- Pensacola
- Punta Gorda
- Seffner
- Sneads
- White Springs
- Wildwood
- Yulee
Static Station Non-Interstate Based Weigh Stations
Static weight stations are located on the side of interstate highways throughout Florida and other states. The truck pulls off the highway onto an access road. The driver pulls the truck onto the large-scale plates when it’s their turn.
This large weighing system determines the entire weight of the truck. Often, they inspect the rest of the truck during the weighing process.
- Hilliard
- Hopewell
- Lake City
- MacClenny
- Old Town
- Palatka
- Palm Coast
- Pensacola
- Plantation Key
- Yulee
Dangers of Overweight or Improperly Loaded Trucks
An improperly loaded commercial truck creates a high truck accident risk. This could be an overweight commercial truckload or improperly loaded cargo.
A commercial truck could roll over during sharp turns or in high wind. There is also a greater danger when navigating steep hills. Finally, emergency or sudden stopping becomes significantly harder.
Unfortunately, passenger vehicles can also suffer the consequences when these dangerous situations happen. Passenger vehicle drivers and passengers suffer increased property damage and injuries because of the significant size and weight difference.
Thankfully, some personal injury attorneys specialize in helping victims of these trucking accidents. This involves recovery from physical injuries and property damage.
Commercial Truck Weight Enforcement
Florida’s commercial truck weight enforcement program helps to protect the roads and drivers. Overweight vehicles create unnecessary wear and tear and increase safety risks. If you have experienced a commercial truck accident, you may have a claim for recovery.
If you’ve experienced an accident involving a commercial truck, schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a truck accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
