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PA Trucking Regulation Lookup
Search the federal and Pennsylvania rules that commercial carriers must follow. Every entry lists its citation and official source.
20 rules
11-hour driving limit
A property-carrying driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Why it matters in a claim: Driving time recorded past the limit can support a fatigue claim against the driver and the carrier.
14-hour on-duty window
A driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Why it matters in a claim: Dispatch records and logs are compared against the window to spot schedule pressure.
30-minute break requirement
Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.
Why it matters in a claim: Missed breaks often appear alongside other log violations.
60/70-hour duty limit
A driver may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days for carriers operating every day of the week.
Why it matters in a claim: Weekly totals can show a pattern rather than a one-off violation.
Electronic logging device records
Most carriers must record duty status with an ELD and retain supporting documents for six months.
Why it matters in a claim: ELD data can be overwritten or aged out, which is why preservation letters are sent early.
Federal Interstate weight limits
On the Interstate System, federal limits are 80,000 pounds gross, 20,000 pounds single axle and 34,000 pounds tandem axle, subject to the bridge formula.
Why it matters in a claim: Overweight loads change stopping distance and can point to loading or shipper responsibility.
Pennsylvania size and weight limits
Pennsylvania sets maximum vehicle weights and requires permits for oversize or overweight movements on state roads.
Why it matters in a claim: Permit conditions and routing restrictions can be part of a liability analysis.
Periodic (annual) inspection
Every commercial motor vehicle must pass an inspection at least once every 12 months, and the report must be retained.
Why it matters in a claim: Missing or late inspections are among the first records requested after a crash.
Driver vehicle inspection reports
Drivers must inspect the vehicle and prepare a written report identifying defects that would affect safe operation.
Why it matters in a claim: A defect reported and not repaired is direct evidence of notice.
Commercial driver's license required
A driver must hold a valid CDL of the proper class, with endorsements matching the vehicle and cargo.
Why it matters in a claim: Operating without the right class or endorsement can support a negligent entrustment claim.
Disqualifying offenses
Certain offenses, including driving under the influence and leaving the scene, disqualify a commercial driver for defined periods.
Why it matters in a claim: A carrier that kept a disqualified driver on the road faces direct liability.
Hazardous materials transport rules
Hazardous materials shipments must be classified, packaged, marked, labeled, placarded and documented under the HMR.
Why it matters in a claim: Placarding and shipping paper errors can widen the group of responsible parties.
Hazmat driving and routing requirements
Drivers carrying placarded loads must follow attendance, routing and parking requirements.
Why it matters in a claim: Route deviations are often documented by GPS and telematics data.
Systematic inspection, repair and maintenance
Carriers must systematically inspect, repair and maintain all vehicles under their control and keep maintenance records.
Why it matters in a claim: Maintenance history shows whether a mechanical failure was foreseeable.
Brake system requirements
Commercial vehicles must meet brake performance and adjustment standards at all times.
Why it matters in a claim: Out-of-adjustment brakes are a frequent finding in post-crash inspections.
Driver qualification file
Carriers must maintain a qualification file including the application, motor vehicle record, road test and annual review.
Why it matters in a claim: Gaps in the file can show inadequate hiring or supervision.
Medical certification
Drivers must be physically qualified and hold a valid medical examiner's certificate.
Why it matters in a claim: Untreated conditions and expired certificates are recurring issues.
Cargo securement
Cargo must be secured against shifting or falling using the securement standards for each commodity type.
Why it matters in a claim: Shifting loads can cause rollovers and may implicate the shipper or loader.
Post-accident drug and alcohol testing
Carriers must conduct post-accident testing when the regulatory criteria are met, within defined time limits.
Why it matters in a claim: Whether testing happened, and how fast, is a standard early question.
Pennsylvania adoption of federal safety rules
Pennsylvania incorporates federal motor carrier safety regulations for intrastate commercial vehicle operation.
Why it matters in a claim: Intrastate carriers are held to comparable standards, not exempt from them.
Summaries are plain-language descriptions of published rules and are not a substitute for the regulation itself. Rules are amended regularly — always check the official source before relying on one.
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