In order to keep Connecticut drivers and pedestrians safe, the state of Connecticut has passed laws explaining how commercial motor vehicles can and cannot operate. Some laws protect other drivers and pedestrians by banning trucks from operating on certain roads or making sure that drivers of these vehicles have commercial driver’s licenses. Other laws deal directly with the makeup of the trucks to make sure that they can handle the weight that they are carrying. You may have heard of these overweight truck laws, but you might not know that these laws apply to more than just weight. The length, height, and width of a truck will also impact the weight that it can carry. Here, you can learn about Connecticut’s limitations on these categories.
Length Limits
Connecticut has a limit on the length of a truck, which includes the load carried. These limitations get included in the overweight truck laws because the length of a truck will affect its weight. The length limits are:
- 28 feet for a regular trailer.
- 45 feet for a single unit truck.
- 48-53 feet for semitrailers.
- No limitation for system trucks, such as multi-trailer trucks.
- There is no limitation for a combination tractor semitrailer.
- No limitations for a combination semitrailer tractor.
Width and Height Limits
Width limits are also included in this law because the width of a truck can affect its weight. The width limit for trucks in Connecticut is 102.37 inches for any type of truck. The height limitation is 13 feet and six inches for any type of truck. Regulating the height and width of a truck will ensure that it fits on all roads and does not cause an issue for other drivers.
If you are caught operating a truck that does not comply with Connecticut’s width and height standards, you can be charged with an overweight truck offense. If charged, you will face a fine that will vary based on the weight of your truck. Fines are determined by the percent that the truck is overweight for its size. This means that two trucks that have the same amount overweight could end up with different fines. For example, a truck that has a registered weight of 20,000 pounds that weighs in at 25,000 pounds will face a fine of $500. However, a truck with a registered weight of 60,000 that weighs in at 65,000 pounds will only face a fine of $250. For a complete explanation of the fines and other penalties of overweight trucks, please view our penalties page.
If you have been charged with an overweight truck in Connecticut, you can fight this charge. The best way to do this is to have a lawyer assess your situation and help you build a defense. At Mr. Speeding Ticket, we have worked with overweight truck cases. Come into our office for a free consultation to discuss your case, and let us handle this situation for you.