When you share the road with an 18-wheeler, you trust that the driver in control of the truck is following strict safety rules. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 40 tons, and when they are operated recklessly or in violation of federal and state laws, the consequences can be devastating.
Tennessee’s roadways see thousands of commercial trucks every day, and the regulations governing them exist for one reason: to protect you and everyone else sharing the road.
Learn about Tennessee’s trucking laws and regulations from the Knoxville truck accident lawyers at The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto.
Hours of Service Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits how long truck drivers can stay behind the wheel without rest. These boundaries are designed to prevent driver fatigue—a leading cause of truck accidents.
- Drivers operating across state lines can drive for a maximum of 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Once they come on duty, they have a 14-hour window to complete their driving, regardless of breaks.
- After eight cumulative hours of driving, they must take at least a 30-minute break before continuing.
- Drivers cannot drive more than 60 hours within seven consecutive days or 70 hours within eight consecutive days. Only after taking 34 consecutive hours off duty can they restart this cycle.
Logbook and Maintenance Regulations
Commercial trucks must be equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) that automatically track a driver’s hours of service, engine data, miles driven, and vehicle movement. These devices replaced the old paper logbooks, making it harder for drivers to falsify their records.
Beyond tracking hours, federal regulations require motor carriers to maintain their fleets properly.
Every company and owner-operator must regularly inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles to ensure all parts and accessories function safely. Commercial trucks cannot legally operate if they are in a condition likely to cause an accident or breakdown.
Tennessee-Specific Trucking Laws
Tennessee enforces additional regulations that apply to all commercial drivers operating within the state:
- Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-50-403 requires all commercial drivers to maintain valid CDLs and current medical cards proving their fitness to operate commercial vehicles.
- Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-1302 bans fatigued driving and requires 30-minute breaks every eight hours, with violations resulting in fines up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.
- Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-7-203(b)(3) sets weight limits at 80,000 pounds maximum, with width restrictions of 8 feet and height limits of 13 feet 6 inches.
- Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-1301 prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with penalties including fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 11 months and 29 days.
- Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-1303 restricts cell phone use to hands-free devices only, with fines up to $250 for violations.
What Happens When a Tennessee Truck Driver Breaks the Law?
Trucking regulations exist to keep everyone on the road safe. But when companies and drivers cut corners—whether through inadequate maintenance, hours-of-service violations, or improper loading—innocent people suffer.
The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto has represented Tennesseans who were hurt because a trucking company prioritized profits over safety.
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, contact us at (865) 674-1638 and trust our attorneys to fight for your fair compensation.