Indiana State Trucking Rules
Last updated on January 27, 2025
The Indiana truck accident lawyers at Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP are leaders in pursuing personal injury claims. We successfully handled cases involving truck collisions caused by state law violations. Founded in 1899, the firm’s attorneys have 75 years of collective legal experience helping negligence victims, including truck accident victims, recover the compensation they deserve. We are nationally recognized as a top personal injury firm by Martindale-Hubbell®, U.S. News & World Report as a Best Law Firm and an inclusion in Million Dollar Advocates Forum®.
State Rules And Regulations For Intrastate Trucking
Trucks and other commercial vehicles travel over 9.5 billion miles on Indiana roads each year, transporting goods and services within the state. Their massive presence on our roads affects Indiana’s safety, traffic conditions and commerce. Commercial vehicle operators and their owners may be subject to state rules and regulations involving:
- Intrastate fuel taxes
- Maximum seating capacity
- Minimum insurance coverage
- Private and for-hire carriers
- Plates, registration, and title
- Trucks with three or more axles
- Hazardous material placards
- Oversize/overweight permits
Insurance requirements are based on the vehicle’s gross weight, whether it is transporting nine or more passengers and the type of cargo hauled. All intrastate truckers carrying hazardous material must show proof of financial responsibility. The policy holds commercial drivers and employers liable for bodily injury or death in case of a crash.
Truck Safety Regulations
Indiana law defines commercial carriers as any towed or self-propelled vehicle transporting property or passengers on a highway in intrastate commerce. State safety rules reflect the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations enacted to minimize truck accidents. The rules apply to all commercial vehicles, outlining requirements involving:
- Inspection and repair
- Driver qualification
- Hours-of-service logs
- Vehicle maintenance
- Out-of-service orders
- Safety fitness protocols
- Substance and alcohol tests
- Parking hazardous waste
- Broker freight forwarding
- Transporting migrant workers
- Parts needed for safe operation
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required to operate all trucks and combination vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs. To operate in Indiana, drivers must be at least 18 years old. They also must carry a valid CDL and medical certificate confirming their physical qualification to drive. Rules differ for trucks operating in interstate commerce.
Equipment Safety Requirements
Indiana law requires that every bus, truck, and tractor-trailer be equipped with a fire extinguisher and colored devices for vehicles stopped in emergencies. In addition, specific equipment and functions must be inspected before every trip, including:
- Horn and tires
- Wheels and rims
- Brakes and wipers
- Steering and brakes
- Radio connection
- Rear-view mirrors
- Lighting and reflectors
- Emergency protection
- Trailer-brake connection
Indiana issues a decal for commercial vehicles that pass safety inspections with no violations. Drivers who violate hours-of-service regulations and trucks that fail safety checks are ordered out of service under state law. Federal law permits out-of-service orders to be issued to companies employing unsafe drivers or vehicles.
Recover Compensation For Your Injury
Accidents involving violations of state rules and intrastate trucking regulations require seasoned legal counsel. The Indiana personal injury attorneys at Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP have over 75 years of collective legal experience with trucking claims. We successfully handled multiple negotiations with negligent drivers, liable employers and their insurers during that time. We maximize your compensation for damages caused by truck accidents resulting in personal injury or wrongful death.
Call 317-505-1342 or contact the firm online to schedule a free initial consultation.