Sharing the road with an 80,000-pound truck is part of everyday life in Texas. These massive vehicles keep our economy moving, but they also bring serious risks when safety rules are ignored. Trucking regulations in Texas—set by both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety—exist to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. When truck drivers or companies cut corners, the consequences can be devastating.
Not everyone can legally get behind the wheel of a big rig. Truck drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass medical exams, and undergo drug and alcohol testing. They also need special endorsements for carrying hazardous materials or oversized loads.
A history of reckless driving, DUIs, or certain criminal offenses can disqualify someone from holding a CDL. These rules help ensure that only qualified, responsible drivers operate large commercial vehicles.
One of the biggest dangers on Texas highways is driver fatigue. Federal “hours of service” rules limit how long truck drivers can be on duty. For example, a driver can only drive up to 11 hours after having 10 consecutive hours off duty.
They must also take breaks and adhere to weekly driving limits. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) record a driver’s hours to make sure the rules are being followed. These safeguards are in place because tired drivers make mistakes that can cost lives.
A poorly maintained truck is a disaster waiting to happen. Texas and federal law require drivers and trucking companies to inspect their vehicles regularly and keep detailed maintenance records. Drivers must check their trucks before and after every trip, looking for problems like worn-out brakes, damaged tires, or broken lights.
Skipping routine inspections not only breaks the law—it puts every motorist on the road at risk.
Oversized and overweight trucks pose significant dangers to everyone. Texas sets strict limits on the weight and size of trucks. The standard maximum is 80,000 pounds, but anything larger requires a special permit, designated routes, and sometimes escort vehicles. Ignoring these limits can lead to accidents, road damage, and significant fines.
Unsecured or shifting cargo is another leading cause of serious trucking accidents. Regulations require loads to be tied down properly with the right equipment, and hazardous materials must be labeled and contained with extra care. If cargo falls off a truck or causes a rollover, the trucking company can be held directly responsible.
Safety rules also include strict drug and alcohol testing. Truck drivers must pass a test before being hired and are subject to random checks throughout their employment. If a driver is caught with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher, they can be immediately taken off duty. Trucking companies that fail to enforce these policies face heavy penalties.
Because of the potential for catastrophic accidents, trucking companies are required to carry high levels of insurance. Interstate carriers must have at least $750,000 in liability coverage, and those hauling hazardous materials must carry more. In Texas, intrastate carriers’ minimum liability insurance requirements are $500,000 and go up depending on the load situation. This coverage is critical for making sure victims of truck accidents have access to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Not all trucking operations are the same. Some trucks operate only within Texas (intrastate), while others cross state lines (interstate). Both must follow most FMCSA rules, but there are some differences. For example, interstate drivers must be at least 21 years old, while Texas allows intrastate CDL drivers as young as 18.
Understanding whether a truck was operating within or outside of Texas can be important in an accident claim.
These aren’t just numbers — they represent real people whose lives were cut short or permanently changed. Every one of these incidents goes beyond vehicle damage — families are left grieving, and survivors often face long recoveries.
Harris County, which includes Houston, consistently ranks among the most dangerous places in Texas for traffic fatalities. In 2024 alone:
This high concentration of accidents—especially involving large trucks—shows how urgently stronger safety measures and oversight are needed in high-density areas like Houston. The risk is not abstract; it’s happening on roads people drive every day.
Trucking companies and drivers who violate these regulations can face fines, license suspensions, and even criminal charges. More importantly, violations often play a key role in proving fault after an accident.
If a truck driver ignored hours-of-service rules, if a company skipped required inspections, or if a truck was overloaded, those facts can establish negligence in a lawsuit.
Trucking regulations are not just red tape—they are lifesaving rules designed to keep Texas roads safe. Unfortunately, when companies put profits ahead of safety, families pay the price. Understanding these rules helps victims and their attorneys hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, knowing whether these laws were broken may be the difference between walking away with nothing and recovering the full compensation you deserve.
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If you’ve been injured in a truck accident and want to speak with the leading Texas truck accident lawyer, call 1 (866) 758-4529 to learn your rights, options, and next steps.
Our truck accident law firm has been handling Texas truck accident claims for over 40 years and has an unmatched record of success.
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