Driving Across State Lines: What You Need To Know

September 6, 2022

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces nationwide regulations that all drivers must follow— but are there any restrictions for driving across state lines, specifically? It depends. States are free to impose their own rules on any commercial vehicles driving across state lines and inside their borders. 

Whether you’ve been driving a commercial vehicle across state lines for many years or you’re new to interstate driving, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the regulations for any state you’ll be passing through. So, what should every interstate driver know? Below, we cover five rules and regulations that are subject to change when driving a commercial vehicle across state lines.

1: Required Documentation

Your goal is a safe and speedy delivery, and having all of the required documentation on hand before you even hit the road is a big part of that. Most states require you to present a USDOT Number when driving a commercial vehicle across state lines. You’ll also need documentation that complies with federal regulations for driving across state lines. 

The states that don’t require a USDOT Number are Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia.

2: Age Requirements

Are there any restrictions for driving across state lines if you’re under 21? At the moment, yes. You can get a commercial driver’s license in 49 states if you’re under 21, but current federal regulations prevent you from driving a commercial vehicle across state lines. The good news is that the FMCSA recently established the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program, which will allow drivers 18 to 20 to drive across state line under specific conditions.

3: Hours of Service Regulations

Some states do have specific hours of service rules (HOS) that limit the hours you can legally spend on the road— but if you’re driving a commercial vehicle across state lines, you should go by the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) consecutive HOS regulations.

Interstate commercial drivers can work for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours spent off duty and are required to take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours without a 30-minute interruption.

4: Speed Limits

Speed limits change based on the city, county, or state legislature— and they can also change when you’re driving across state lines. Be on the lookout for speed limit signs as you cross into a new state, and try to travel a bit under the maximum when conditions are less than ideal. If you’re at the wheel of a large sleeper semi-truck, it’s always better to err on the safe side.

5: Federal Insurance Minimums

States vary in the amount of minimum liability insurance they require, but interstate cargo drivers must take note that the FMCSA enforces federal minimums. Depending on the type of cargo you are driving across state lines, minimum liability coverage for freight ranges from $750,000 to $5,000,000.

Learn More About Interstate Driving with International Used Truck Center

Questions about becoming an interstate driver? We’re here for you—so don’t hesitate to reach out for expert truck buying advice, driving safety tips, and more! If you’re in the market for an upgrade, stop by a International Used Truck Center location near you today.

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