Driving regulations usually vary from state to state. However, there is one important thing to remember for truck drivers. In North Carolina, a rule has been adopted in order to promote safer roads. It says that commercial interstate truck drivers must adhere to both trucking laws and FMCSA which stands for Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations. In North Carolina, there is a Department of Transportation that oversees the enforcement of rules that are similar to federal regulations. In this article, we are going to talk about the specificity of driving regulations in North Carolina, so you can drive through it more confidently and safely.
Contents
- The main rules you should know about when going on the road in North Carolina
- Limits on the amount of time you can spend working as a commercial truck drive
- Other restrictions established by law
- License requirements
- Speed limits and routing laws
- Insurance coverage requirements
- Blood alcohol limit
- Conclusion
The main rules you should know about when going on the road in North Carolina
The first thing you need to know about when going on the road is that North Carolina is a part of the IRP, which stands for International Registration Plan. IRP is responsible for the regulation of interstate and international transportation of goods and passengers.
What does this mean? It means that if you fall under certain restrictions such as having a gross vehicle weight of over 26,000 pounds, you must register your vehicle with the IRP before going on the road. You must also have with you insurance that meets minimum liability requirements, and provide an employer identification number. There are also many important rules of driving through/in North Carolina you should know about before going on a road.
Limits on the amount of time you can spend working as a commercial truck drive
- The 14-hour driving “window”, which means you can drive for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 or more hours of rest
- The 30-minute break, which means you have to take a break for at least 30 minutes after working for 8 hours maximum.
- The 60/70-hour limit, which means that you as a commercial truck driver who works seven days in a row can work only approximately 8.5 hours per day. If you work eight days in a row – you can work only 8.75 hours per day.
- The 34-hour restart procedure allows you to take 34 hours or even a longer break to reset your weekly hours.
Other restrictions established by law
License requirements
There are many possibilities to find a job as a commercial truck driver, in order to find a job and work there you can look online for CDL jobs Charlotte, North Carolina. CDL stands for a commercial driver’s license. To get it you have to qualify for it and hold a commercial learner permit. In addition, you also have to pass applicable knowledge, and skill tests, provide a medical certification, and pay the fees. The type of CDL can vary depending on the vehicle’s weight and the cargo you are going to transport.
Speed limits and routing laws
As a commercial truck driver, you can face several restrictions established by law in the state of North Carolina. For example, it’s forbidden to drive on the left lines or interstates in many areas trucks with more than three axles or exceeding 26,000 pounds. Moreover, in some areas trucks over 10,000 pounds it’s required to stop at truck information stations, which can provide important safety information.
Insurance coverage requirements
Commercial truck drivers in North Carolina must carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance at the federal level. Additionally, there can be other specific requirements for the transportation of hazardous substances, oil, and other materials.
Blood alcohol limit
The overall level of the legal blood alcohol concentration in North Carolina is 0.08 percent. This year due to new laws “Sober Operator Act of 2025” it can be even decreased to 0.05 percent. However, for commercial truck drivers, the permissible limit is even less due to increased risks and is 0.04 percent.
Conclusion
If you plan to find a job in North Carolina or just drive as a commercial truck driver through it, you have to remember that the restrictions can vary from state to state or even from area to area. Before going on the road, study all the requirements, such as those we discussed in this article, and strictly follow them to avoid any unpleasant situations.
Ross, an exam specialist with a passion for education, writes comprehensive articles on exam results and admit cards. His expertise ensures students receive reliable information and useful tips to excel in their exams.
