VEHICLE LENGTH RESTRICTIONS-A REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

This report summarizes the findings and conclusions of a study to establish length limitations for heavy trucks that regulate trailer length (or, in the case of straight trucks, the length of the cargo-carrying portion). The report focuses on the basic principle of limiting trailer or cargo-carrying length in order to remove a major economic incentive that could jeopardize safety. It is recommended that the Department of Transportation should develop model length limit regulations that do not provide an economic incentive to increase cargo space at the expense of tractor length. The Department should recommend to the appropriate State authorities the they establish length regulations that specifically limit the length of trailers (or cargo-carrying portions) rather than merely setting a single limit for the overall length of heavy trucks. While it may be appropriate to have additional limits on overall length, a primary objective should be to reduce the possiblity that non-cargo-carrying length will be decreased at the expense of safety.

• Corporate Authors:

  Department of Transportation

  National Highway Safety Advisory Committee, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Publication Date: 1977-4

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 12 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Heavy vehicles; Highway safety; Laws; Length; Size; Size and weight regulations; Traffic restraint; Trailers; Trucks; Weight
• Uncontrolled Terms: Vehicle restrictions
• Old TRIS Terms: Truck laws & regulations
• Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00163569
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-HS-802-377
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 14 1978 12:00AM