Truck Safety Regulations Quiz

Questions and Answers

At what distance must warning flags, flares, and other approved warning devices be visible?

500 ft

On a two-lane roadway, what is the maximum legal speed limit for trucks with a gross weight of 8,000 pounds or more?

70 mph

What is the maximum width for most vehicles?

8 ft

What is the maximum weight for a single axle?

20,000 lbs Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum weight for a tandem axle?

34,000 lbs Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum weight for a five axle combination?

80,000 lbs Signup and view all the answers

What is the lighting equipment required for a second division or combination vehicle longer than 25 feet or wider than 80 inches?

Two yellow (or amber) lights, three red lights, two yellow (or amber) reflectors, two red reflectors Signup and view all the answers

What are the requirements of reducing weight on overweight vehicles?

Stop the vehicle in a safe place, remain standing until load is removed, driver/owner may be arrested unless overweight is <= 2,000 lbs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper method of braking on long, downhill grades?

Apply brakes to feel definite slowdown, release when speed is 5 mph below safe speed, repeat as needed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum height, including load, for all vehicles?

13 ft 6 inches Signup and view all the answers

What are the laws that apply to one vehicle towing another?

Connections must be strong, max 15 feet apart, two safety chains required, no passengers in towed vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum length for second division vehicles, loaded or unloaded?

42 ft, with exceptions for vehicles hauling certain objects up to 80 feet. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Warning Devices

Warning flags, flares, and approved warnings must be visible from a distance of 500 feet.

Truck Speed Limits

Maximum legal speed limit for trucks over 8,000 pounds on a two-lane roadway is 70 mph.

Vehicle Dimensions

Maximum width for most vehicles is 8 feet.
Maximum height for all vehicles, including loads, is 13 feet 6 inches.

Weight Limits

Maximum weight for a single axle is 20,000 pounds.
Maximum weight for a tandem axle is 34,000 pounds.
Maximum weight for a five-axle combination is 80,000 pounds.

Lighting Requirements

For vehicles longer than 25 feet or wider than 80 inches, two yellow (or amber) lights must be mounted on the upper front corners (visible for 500 feet), three red lights on the rear in a horizontal line (visible for 500 feet), and reflectors as specified for identification.

Overweight Vehicles

Overweight vehicles must stop in a safe area until part of the load is removed or adjusted.
Arrest threshold is 2,000 pounds for excess weight and drops to 1,000 pounds for vehicles over 80,000 pounds.

Braking Techniques

On long downhill grades, brakes should be applied until speed drops to about 5 mph below safe speed, then released; this process should be repeated to maintain control.

Towing Regulations

The drawbar for towing must withstand the weight of the towed vehicle and not exceed 15 feet in length.
Drawbars are required for towing on controlled-access roadways, and two safety chains or cables must connect the vehicles to prevent detachment.
Passengers are prohibited from occupying towed vehicles on public highways.

Vehicle Length Limits

Maximum length for second division vehicles is 42 feet, with exceptions for transporting objects that cannot be easily taken apart (length may reach 80 feet for these objects).

Description

Test your knowledge on truck safety regulations including warning devices, speed limits, vehicle dimensions, and weight restrictions. This quiz covers key guidelines that truck drivers must follow to ensure safety on the roads.