Montana is known for more than a vast open space of land. It’s also known as being a major transportation route for truckers across the country as they go through this low-populated state. Being a truck driver is a noble and in-demand career, and when you’re driving truck in Montana, it’s worth it to be aware of roadway laws and other legalities so you can navigate the roads and the state successfully. Every Montana truck driver needs to know road laws and liability for driving in and through the state.
Know Your Loads
Since Montana is a known trucking pass-through state, there are certain laws regarding truck limit load weights and even the types of loads you can haul through the state. Unless you have a specific permit allowing you to haul overweight or oversized loads in your trucking adventures, know the weight of your loads so you don’t exceed the weight limit for your specific rig.
Montana does have a load size maximum you have to adhere to to not just protect yourself and other drivers on the road, but to protect its major roadways as well. These load limits apply to both interstate and non-interstate highways.
For example, any load exceeding 80,000 pounds in its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (this is the weight of the truck plus its load) requires an accompanying permit. There are other types of restrictions for rigs and load weights in Montana based on the number of axles a truck has as well. There are also restrictions for traveling with certain loads (such as timber) and whether pilot vehicles are required.
Have All Documentation On Your Person
When driving truck through Montana, always ensure you have your trucker’s license on you as well as your applicable permits, load capacities/information relevant to your loads, insurance on your truck, and registration for your vehicle. You need these documents so you can present them at checkpoints you’ll hit along the way as you travel through the state.
If you’re a resident of Montana, you’ll have a Montana-issued CDL permitting you to operate heavy machinery. If you are not a resident of the state, you’ll need documentation from the state you live in that verifies you can legally operate a commercial truck to legally travel through the state.
Always Drive Safely
Never drive truck when you’re fatigued and take the required rest breaks as applicable by Montana law for your trucking hours and covered mileage. This not only helps you stay healthy and prevents burnout on the job, but it also protects other motorists on the road. Remember, Montana is a marijuana-friendly state, but if you do imbibe, do not operate heavy machinery and pay heed to all applicable laws regarding the recreational use of marijuana.
While Montana does have engaging nightlife activities, take advantage of these recreational activities on your days off. Never drink alcohol or take mind-altering medications and get behind the wheel of your rig. If you do and get pulled over, you will face legal consequences and can potentially lose your CDL license.
Know What To Do In The Event Of An Accident
Regardless of whether you are driving your private truck through Montana or you work for another company (or are contracted through a company), if you get into a wreck, you need to know your liabilities regarding your accident. Under Montana law, as you may encounter in other states as well, you are legally required to report an accident or face a fine. It doesn’t matter who is at fault or how minor the accident is, your accident must be reported.
Report Your Location To The Police
Report your location and any possible injuries and other information to the police so they know where to find you and what type of help to send your way. If you can, move your rig off the roadway, turning on hazard and other lights to alert other drivers of your situation.
Set up flares, cones, and other warning signals to help prevent your accident from involving other drivers, especially on Montana interstates where other drivers (including truckers) are likely to be using the same roadways.
Prepare Your Information For A Police Report
Driving a truck in any area of Nashville, including Springfield, carries some responsibilities and liabilities that may not fall on other types of motorists, so when you file your police report, be as thorough as you can in the report, but never admit fault for the wreck. That’s for the police, your insurance company, and your attorneys, like Springfield truck accident lawyers, to sort.
The police report that is filed when you have an accident in Springfield, Nashville will need to be used to file an insurance claim and to get compensated for your wreck, if applicable. Always report trucking accidents to your employer and other personnel above you as necessary.
Seek Medical Treatment
A Montana trucking accident may cause a lot of damage, and not all of it is physical roadway and vehicular damage. People often get hurt in these types of wrecks. Even if you feel fine initially, seek immediate medical help and keep records of all medical treatments and reports. Your truck accident attorney will use these reports as evidence later to help build your case for monetary compensation.
Respecting The Montana Roads
If you respect the Montana roadways you drive through when driving truck, you should have no issues and simply get to enjoy the open road. If you’re carrying sensitive loads, such as fuel or explosive materials, check with government Montana laws before entering the state. After all, if you’re the one behind the wheel, you’re the one responsible for understanding Montana trucking laws.
