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Wisconsin Truck Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Title 49, Parts 350-399) govern all vehicles engaged in interstate traffic.

There are some situations where a tractor-trailer or other commercial motor vehicle is involved in only intrastate travel. For example, an appliance store in West Allis may own a truck that only makes in-state deliveries.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Safety has adopted Title 49, Parts 382-384 and 390-399 of the federal regulations.

If you want to learn about the federal laws that apply to all over-the-road trucks, click here.

The following provisions are an overview of Wisconsin laws that affect trucks operating only in Wisconsin:

Driver Qualification:

Wisconsin has adopted Part 391 with a few notable differences. A driver must be at least 18 years of age, rather than 21. The physical qualification requirements also contain special provisions. A grandfather provision was established for intrastate drivers who have met state medical qualifications and have been issued a valid Wisconsin commercial driver’s license prior to July 29, 1996, which has not been revoked or cancelled, and who continue to meet state medical requirements

Driving of Motor Vehicles:

Wisconsin has adopted Part 392 of the Federal Regulations with the exception of Sec. 392.16 (use of seatbelts).

Hours of Service:

Wisconsin interstate drivers must follow Part 395 of the Federal Regulations. The state did not adopt Part 395 for intrastate drivers, however, and established separate hours of service requirements. For example, drivers aren’t permitted to drive more than 12 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty. Also, a driver isn’t permitted to drive after having been on duty 70 hours in 7 consecutive days or 80 hours in 8 consecutive days.

Parts and Accessories:

Wisconsin has adopted Part 393 of the Federal Regulations with a few notable differences. Mudflaps, for example, are not required on vehicles or semi-trailers equipped with dump bodies.

Crash reports are available from:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Traffic Accident Section
P.O. Box 7919
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-8753

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Wisconsin, click here for more information or to ask any questions you have.

In the event this material is not deemed to fully comply with the provisions of the rules of professional conduct of any particular state, this firm will not accept clients or representation that derive from the distribution of this material within those jurisdictions.

"If each time a rig is inspected it is done in an identical fashion the driver will be less likely to omit a key element of the process during a future inspection."

Learn more about State and Federal Trucking Laws

Wisconsin Truck Accident News:

No Wisconsin truck accident news available at this time.


Wisconsin Cities:

  • Madison
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  • Appleton
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  • Milwaukee
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  • Waukesha
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  • Green Bay
  • Oshkosh
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  • Kenosha
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  • Eau Claire
  • Racine
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  • West Allis

    • Major Wisconsin Interstates:

  • I-39
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  • I-94
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  • I-43
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  • I-894
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  • I-90
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