Wisconsin trucking laws help ensure the safe operation of commercial trucks on the state’s roads and highways. However, when a truck driver or truck company violates these regulations, they increase the likelihood of causing serious accidents. A Wisconsin truck accident lawyer from LawtonCates can hold every liable party accountable for injuring you.

For nearly 60 years, our law firm has advocated for the rights and interests of accident victims across South Central Wisconsin. Our attorneys work diligently to secure maximum compensation for our clients through effective settlement negotiations with the insurance company or by battling it out at trial. If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a tractor-trailer crash, contact us now to learn how our truck accident attorneys can help you. There’s no charge for your first consultation. 

Are Wisconsin Truck Laws and Federal Trucking Regulations the Same?

Commercial truck drivers operating in interstate commerce must follow Wisconsin trucking laws while driving in the state. They also must obey federal trucking regulations. However, truck drivers who operate solely within Wisconsin typically follow state law. Wisconsin has adopted many federal trucking regulations to make it easier for truck drivers and trucking companies who operate nationally to comply with state law when operating in Wisconsin. Still, some state regulations may differ from those of their federal counterparts to accommodate unique road conditions in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements 

In Wisconsin, a truck driver must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a truck weighing over 26,000 pounds or carrying hazardous materials requiring placarding under federal regulations. Drivers who wish to transport more than 16 passengers must also have a CDL in Wisconsin.

A person wishing to obtain a CDL must meet various requirements, such as:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status in the U.S.
  • Completing entry-level driver training (ELDT)
  • Passing a written knowledge and an on-road driving skills test for the class of vehicle they wish to operate
  • Passing written knowledge tests for any required CDL endorsements
  • Passing a federal medical examination administered under FMCSA regulations within the last two years to operate a truck in interstate commerce

Wisconsin issues three classes of CDLs:

  • Class A – Permits operation of any combination of vehicles with a vehicle weight of over 26,000 pounds, when the weight of any towed vehicle(s) exceeds 10,000 pounds
  • Class B – Allows operation of any single vehicle with a vehicle weight rating of over 26,000 pounds or any such vehicle towing another vehicle with a weight of 10,000 pounds or less
  • Class C – Permits driving of any commercial vehicle not covered by Class A or B, though drivers who transport hazardous materials must also have an H endorsement on their CDLs.

Wisconsin Weight and Load Regulations

Overloaded or overweight trucks can cause serious accidents. For this reason, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation puts weight limits on commercial trucks.

The maximum weight limits for commercial trucks on Wisconsin roads are based on the number of axles and the distance between the middle of the outermost axles. Depending on their size and configuration, trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds while retaining the right to operate on most highways. However, the state does impose weight restrictions on various bridges and routes that cannot handle heavier trucks.

Truck companies wishing to operate heavier trucks must apply for an overweight permit. The permit application must inform transportation officials of the proposed truck weight and the route so that officials can confirm whether the semi-truck can travel safely. Officials may impose other restrictions on an overweight permit, such as requiring the truck to operate during off-peak hours.

Truck Driver Hours of Service

Wisconsin has adopted most of the hours-of-service regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules aim to reduce collisions caused by truck driver fatigue.

Hours-of-service rules specify that:

  • Truck drivers may drive for a maximum of 11 hours after spending at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
  • Truckers may not drive after the 14th consecutive hour following an off-duty period of at least 10 straight hours
  • Operators of commercial motor vehicles must take a break of at least 30 minutes after driving for eight cumulative hours following their last break or off-duty period. They may spend their break on duty and not driving, off-duty, or in the sleeper berth.
  • Drivers may not drive after spending 60 hours on duty in a seven-day period or 70 hours on duty in an eight-day period. These periods reset after an off-duty period of at least 34 consecutive hours
  • Drivers may extend the 11- and 14-hour limits by up to two hours when they encounter adverse driving conditions.

If you suspect truck driver fatigue played a role in the wreck that injured you, a Wisconsin truck accident attorney can identify whether violations of the hours-of-service rules occurred.

Legal Alcohol Limit for Truckers

In Wisconsin, motorists typically violate the DUI law by driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more. However, state law imposes a stricter BAC limit of 0.04 percent for commercial drivers while operating a commercial vehicle. Driving with a BAC of 0.04 percent or more may subject a truck driver to penalties that include a fine of $150 to $300 and a one- or three-year CDL suspension. Penalties increase for second and subsequent offenses or causing an accident that results in injury or death.

Furthermore, truck drivers may face penalties for having any measurable alcohol in their system if they operate a commercial vehicle within four hours of consuming alcohol, including a $10 fine, a 24-hour disqualification from service, and three demerit points on their license.

Cargo Securement

Unsecured cargo can throw trucks off balance, increasing the risk of rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, and spillage onto the roadway. FMCSA issues regulations for cargo securement applicable to motor carriers and truck drivers. These regulations include performance criteria for cargo-securing devices and requirements for properly using tie-downs.

Wisconsin state regulations also require blocking or bracing to prevent cargo from sliding or shifting during travel, as well as tie-downs for cargo on flatbeds and open trailers, cargo covers, and front-end header boards. 

Get Help from Our Truck Accident Attorneys

If you suffered truck accident injuries in Wisconsin, the personal injury attorneys from LawtonCates will fight for maximum compensation from every at-fault party. When you work with us, you’re not just another name on a case file. Our law firm won’t rush your truck accident case so we can move on to the next one. We know your case is important to you. It’s a priority for us, too.

Call or contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney.