Pennsylvania Trucking Laws

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 Reading may own a truck that only makes in-state deliveries.

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

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

Driver Qualification

Pennsylvania has adopted Part 391 of the Federal Regulations with a few modifications. The age limit was altered: in Pennsylvania, a driver may be as young as 18 years old if he’s not transporting hazardous waste. Otherwise, he must be at least 21. Also, a driver who does not meet the physical qualifications to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Pennsylvania may apply for a waiver from the state.

Vehicle Marking/Identification

Pennsylvania hasn’t adopted Sec. 390.21 of the Federal Regulations for intrastate operation. Intrastate vehicles under the jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission, however, are subject to any applicable vehicle identification requirements issued by that agency.

Loads

Pennsylvania has adopted Part 393 of the Federal Regulations, including regulations dealing with projecting and shifting or falling. In addition to the Federal Regulations, see 67 Pennsylvania Code Sec. 231.209 for requirements regarding projecting loads.

Crash reports are available from:

Crash Reports Unit
Bureau of Records and Identification
Pennsylvania State Police
1800 Elmerton Ave.
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
(717) 783-5516