Missouri Commercial Vehicle Regulations: Three Things You Need to Know

A truck accident can have life-altering consequences for those involved, causing devastating injuries and financial hardship for victims. To reduce the incidence of commercial truck crashes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces regulations governing vehicle safety, vehicle maintenance, and driver training and eligibility. These federal and Missouri-specific regulations are intended to make the roads safer for everyone.  

If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident in Missouri, contact a St. Louis truck accident attorney at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, to explore your legal options. Find out how a skilled truck accident lawyer can help if you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a semi-truck.  

1- What Are the Vehicle Safety Requirements?

To operate a commercial vehicle legally on Missouri roadways, commercial truck drivers are required to meet specific standards. The standards are set forth in the state’s trucking guide and the one provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. They include the following:  

• Commercial trucks may not exceed a maximum width of 102 inches.
• Trucks are limited to a maximum height of 14 feet on interstates and designated highways.
• Trucks are limited to a maximum height of 13.5 feet on all other state highways.
• Trucks are limited to a maximum height of 15 feet in the five commercial zones of St. Louis, Columbia, Kansas City, Springfield, and St, Joseph.
• Trucks can have no more than 20,000 pounds per axle on interstates and 22,000 pounds on highways.
• Trucks cannot have more than 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle on interstates and 36,000 pounds on highways.
• Trailers cannot be longer than 53 feet on interstates and designated highways.
• Tractor trailers are limited to a combined vehicle length of 65 feet on all other state highways.
• Total gross vehicle weight cannot exceed 80,000 pounds. Heavier vehicles must obtain an oversize weight permit from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
• Commercial trucks must be marked with the carrier’s legal name and US DOT identification number.

2- Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Motor Vehicles

Large trucks carry heavy loads across Missouri and throughout the Midwest. Wear and tear on heavy commercial trucks can eventually lead to mechanical problems, brake defects, and other issues. For the safety of truck drivers and other road users, commercial trucking companies must systematically inspect and repair the trucks under their control. The trucking company must keep the inspection records for a year. 

Commercial truck drivers are required to prepare a written inspection at the end of any driving day in which the driver discovers or is informed of a vehicle defect during a roadside inspection.

The inspection report must cover the following parts:  

• Brakes
• Trailer brake connections
• Tires
• Fuel levels
• Steering
• Headlights, signals, and reflectors
• Windshield wipers
• Emergency equipment
• Coupling devices
• Horn

Missouri also requires commercial vehicles to undergo a periodic third-party safety inspection. These inspections must occur at least once every 12 months and should be conducted by an entity with specific qualifications. One of the qualifications is an understanding of the inspection standards set forth by the FMCSA. Inspection reports must be on file for 14 months following the report date. 

3- What Are the Driver Safety Requirements?  

There are multiple federal and state regulations requiring commercial motor vehicle drivers to meet certain standards. The requirements include: 

• Drivers must be at least 18 years old to operate in an intrastate commerce capacity
• Drivers must be at least 21 years old to operate a truck across state lines or to transport hazardous materials
• Drivers must be able to speak and read English well enough to communicate with others
• Drivers must have the physical capability to operate large vehicles safely
• Drivers must understand how to load, unload, block, and brace cargo safely

Prospective drivers must complete a state Department of Transportation physical examination and hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL).  

Because some states have differing driver safety regulations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations that set baseline training and safety strategies for truck drivers in the United States. These rules apply to a driver:  

• Seeking a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A
• Obtaining a school bus, passenger, or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time

All entry-level truck operators must complete a mandatory FMCSA-approved training program. The FMCSA also maintains a registry containing the records of CDL applicants who have met training and certification guidelines.  

Most commercial vehicles are required to have black box-like devices. These devices, known as electronic control modules (ECMs) or event data recorders (EDRs), are computerized systems installed in the engines of commercial trucks. They can monitor driver safety and record data about the vehicle, such as speed, braking, and other information. These electronic devices can serve as a digital driver’s log, recording how long a truck is in operation. This information can be vital because the FMCSA has Hours of Service Regulations limiting how long a truck driver can remain at the wheel.  

Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced St. Louis Truck Accident Attorneys  

Missouri commercial vehicle regulations are intended to protect truck drivers and other road users from traffic accidents. Nevertheless, truck accidents remain a serious problem in Missouri and across the United States. If you have been involved in a truck accident, you may have painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and emotional trauma. You should not be left paying the price of an accident that someone else caused.  

Turn to an experienced St. Louis truck accident attorney for help pursuing the compensation you need. At Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, we can investigate the accident, determine who is to blame, and demand that they pay for your medical bills and other losses. While we may start by filing an insurance claim, we won’t hesitate to go to court if it becomes necessary. We handle commercial vehicle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means there is no legal fee owed unless we are successful in securing money for you through an insurance settlement or court award.

Contact our office today to schedule a free case review.