Commercial truck regulations play a vital role in keeping New York’s roads safe. Unlike typical car accidents, crashes with large commercial trucks are governed by complex laws designed to reduce the risks of driver fatigue, oversized loads, and poorly maintained vehicles.
In New York, trucking safety requires following federal standards from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, and New York State’s requirements for truck drivers, carriers, and vehicles. A New York truck accident lawyer at Richmond Vona can explain how these rules interact—and identify when violations may support your claim.
How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive in New York?
Driver hours are directly tied to safety and legal compliance. Fatigued driving increases crash risk, and violations of Hours-of-Service, or HOS, rules can become crucial evidence after a wreck. FMCSA’s HOS framework applies to most interstate commercial drivers, mandating breaks and off-duty periods.
11-Hour Driving Limit
A truck driver may drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty period. This 11-hour shift must be followed by 10 consecutive off-duty hours, allowing for adequate rest between shifts.
14-Hour Duty Window
Once a driver starts the day, they have 14 hours to complete all driving for that shift, including breaks and non-driving tasks.
30-Minute Break
After eight cumulative hours of driving, a driver must take a 30-minute break to reduce fatigue. This break can be taken off duty or on duty—so long as it consists of non-driving tasks.
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit
Drivers have a limited number of hours they can spend on duty per week. A driver working a seven-day period cannot exceed 60 hours on duty, and a driver working an eight-day period cannot exceed 70 hours on duty.
Rest Periods
Drivers are required to take ten consecutive hours off duty before beginning a new 11-hour driving period. This ten-hour off period can be divided into two segments, i.e., eight hours in the sleeper berth and two hours off duty, or seven hours in the berth and three hours off duty, so long as the paired segments total ten hours.
A 34-hour restart provision allows drivers to reset their 60/70 hour limit by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. By enforcing longer off-duty breaks, drivers can get meaningful rest before starting a new work week, reducing fatigue-related risks.
“A case that stands out involved a truck driver who ignored federal hours-of-service regulations and drove far longer than the law allows without proper rest. Fatigued and unable to react quickly, he rear-ended our client’s vehicle at highway speed, causing serious injuries. Through discovery, we obtained the driver’s logbooks and GPS records, which proved he had falsified his hours and violated safety rules designed to prevent exactly this kind of crash. That evidence was key in holding both the driver and the trucking company fully accountable.”
New York Commercial Truck Regulations
New York prohibits most commercial vehicles on state parkways. These scenic roads feature low stone overpasses and narrow lanes, making driving difficult for trucks and tractors. Commercial drivers must instead use designated truck routes. These state-designated highways and local corridors can safely accommodate large vehicles and direct them away from residential streets and low-clearance hazards.
This list outlines the core dimension and weight rules for New York interstates, designated truck routes, and NYC corridors.
- Tractor-trailer combinations up to 13’6” height, 8’ width, and 55’ length may use interstates and truck routes
- Single-unit vehicles are limited to 35’ length on interstates and truck routes
- STAA vehicles moving household goods, not exceeding 13’6” height, 8’6” width, 48’ length, and the lower of the bridge formula weight or 80,000 lb, may travel on interstates and truck routes
- STAA vehicles not moving household goods are limited to one mile of access to and from interstate exits
- 53’ trailers may only travel on specific interstates
- Maximum vehicle weight is up to 80,000 lb, depending on axle spacing
Operating commercial vehicles in New York requires drivers to have a Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL, with a class designation depending on the vehicle’s weight and cargo. Drivers in New York must meet medical certification standards and are subject to drug and alcohol testing. Commercial vehicles must also undergo regular inspections and preventive maintenance, including daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections, scheduled service, and annual DOT and NYS inspections.
If you have questions about New York truck regulations, a talented attorney at Richmond Vona can help.
Consequences for Violating Commercial Truck Regulations in New York
Non-compliance with truck regulations can increase crash risk and create serious legal and financial exposure. If a violation contributes to a collision in New York State, the driver and motor carrier may be liable for injuries and losses in civil court.
Violating commercial trucking rules carries serious consequences, including:
- Fines and penalties for drivers and carriers
- Possible CDL suspension
- Downtime due to out-of-service orders
- Legal liability in a truck accident lawsuit
Violating commercial truck regulations in New York can cascade into fines, license and equipment consequences, higher insurance costs, and civil exposure if a crash occurs, but a New York commercial truck lawyer can help gather evidence and negotiate a favorable truck accident settlement.
Reach out to Richmond Vona for Answers After a Commercial Truck Accident in New York
Richmond Vona’s Buffalo-based team understands how federal FMCSA standards and New York regulations intersect and how violations can help prove fault. With more than $200 million recovered and a client-first approach backed by the R/V Guarantee, we combine serious trial advocacy with open, honest communication to guide you at every step.
When the unexpected happens, expect Richmond Vona. If you have questions about commercial truck regulations—or how many hours a truck driver can legally drive—our team is here for you. Call us today at 716-500-5678 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
