The nation’s supply chain depends heavily on large commercial trucks like 18-wheelers bringing goods and services into our communities. As much as we rely on commercial trucks, it can be daunting to share the roadway with immense vehicles outweighing standard family cars by as much as 76,000 pounds. Motorists in smaller vehicles are vulnerable to severe injuries in accidents involving 18-wheelers. For those who find themselves involved in such collisions, seeking the help of a St. Louis truck accident lawyer can be crucial in navigating the aftermath.As much as 70% of serious injuries and fatalities occur to the occupants of smaller vehicles involved in commercial truck collisions rather than to the truck driver. In addition, heavy commercial trucks like 18-wheelers with engines that weigh as much as an entire sports car also cause significant wear and tear on roadways, some of which aren’t designed to support heavy trucks.
Because we share the roads with large, unwieldy semi trucks, it’s important for both truck drivers and other motorists to know the restrictions for allowable roadways for 18-wheelers.
Is It Legal for 18-wheeler Trucks to Drive on Residential Streets?
The regulations for trucking in residential areas may vary from state to state and within different municipalities, but for the most part, large trucks are allowed on residential streets unless otherwise posted. This is due to the necessity for deliveries to local businesses, hospitals, schools, post offices, libraries, and other entities commonly found in and around residential areas.
Local municipalities may place restrictions on the size of trucks on specific streets, particularly narrow streets, one-way streets, and roads with bridges and low underpasses.
Some residential areas also have ordinances restricting large trucks from driving on residential streets within specific hours due to noise restrictions. 18-wheelers and other large trucks are much noisier than standard vehicles and can wake sleeping residents or disrupt the peace of a residential area during nighttime and early morning hours.
Commercial Truck Parking on Residential Streets
Most residential areas restrict 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks from parking on community streets during specific hours. Usually, this is between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Idling trucks create noise disturbances in the evening hours and restrict visibility for drivers navigating residential streets at night. Parked trucks also significantly narrow roadways, making accidents more likely to occur.
What Laws Govern Commercial Trucks?
Because commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers and large box trucks commonly cross state lines, they require regulation by the federal government. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates critical aspects of trucking, such as weight limits, driving hour regulations, hour logging, securing cargo, truck maintenance, and maintenance record keeping. States and local municipalities have other regulations in place that drivers must follow when driving or parking in specific areas, such as the allowable truck dimensions and weight limits for specific areas, including some residential streets.
Like other states, Missouri has driver guides available for commercial truck drivers and trucking companies to ensure that drivers remain in compliance. Guidelines for driving and parking in residential areas protect public safety, follow noise ordinances, and prevent damage from wear and tear on roadways that may not support heavy traffic.