Roads and highways are heavily trafficked by trucks and tractor-trailers. These vehicles are subject to trucking rules and regulations, but you might be wondering, “What is considered a commercial vehicle?”
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what makes a truck, van, or tractor-trailer a commercial vehicle.
Our truck accident lawyers have experienced handling cases involving all types of commercial vehicles and we would love to help you if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. For a FREE consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer, please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the fast and easy form below.
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Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicle designation depends on a vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). GVWR is a rating that is determined by the vehicle manufacturer. It represents the maximum combined weight of the:
- vehicle
- cargo
- passengers
- fuel
- and other fluids
According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more that are used a part of a business (including a non-profit organization) and cross state lines are considered “commercial motor vehicles.”
This commercial vehicle definition applies to both single trucks and vans, as well as combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers or trucks pulling other equipment.
At a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, a commercial vehicle is also subject to additional rules and regulations, including the requirement that drivers obtain a Commercial Driver’s License and submit to drug and alcohol testing.
Other Commercial Vehicles
There are certain exceptions to the criteria above.
In North Carolina, vehicles carrying hazardous materials and certain passenger-carrying vehicles are considered commercial vehicles regardless of GVWR.
For more information on commercial vehicle designations in North Carolina, please visit the NCDPS FAQ page.
Rules and Regulations for Commercial Vehicles in North Carolina
Commercial vehicles are subject to specific trucking rules and regulations.
These include:
- Hours of service rules
- Truck insurance rules
- Truck accident reporting rules
Federal and state agencies regulate the trucking industry in North Carolina. These agencies include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS).
Failure to follow rules and regulations pertaining to trucks and commercial vehicles is generally considered an act of negligence, and may play an important part in determining the outcome of a truck accident claim.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, please call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Riddle & Brantley.
We will review your case, advise you on your best available legal options, and if you decide to hire us, we will fight relentlessly for your right to justice and compensation.
You don’t have to go through this alone. We understand what you’re going through and we would love to help you and your loved ones if we can.
Injured in a Commercial Vehicle Accident in North Carolina?
If you’ve been injured in a truck, van, or other commercial vehicle accident in North Carolina, our personal injury lawyers are ready to help you fight for justice however we can.
“They turned a heartbreaking situation completely around.”
-Tonya Taylor, Riddle & Brantley client
Award-Winning Attorneys and On-Staff Investigators
Truck accidents and commercial vehicle accidents often involve a significant amount of evidence and a comprehensive truck accident investigation may be required to determine liability. At Riddle & Brantley, our award-winning truck accident lawyers (see disclaimer below) are supported by a team of experienced accident investigators who can help prove liability.
In some cases, we’ll even bring in outside experts like accident reconstructionists and commercial vehicle safety experts to help strengthen our clients’ cases. In a recent tractor-trailer accident case, we even subpoenaed traffic data from Google Maps in order to prove liability. That case resulted in a total settlement of $9.45 million (see disclaimer below).
We believe Justice Counts for those injured due to others’ negligence and we would love to help you if we can.
“They handled my case very professionally, with respect from beginning to end.”
-Joseph P., Riddle & Brantley client
Please call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your claim.
Justice Counts.
*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.
*** Disclaimer: An attorney must meet certain requirements to join these organizations or receive these awards. For more information on Membership Criteria for Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the Litigator Award, and other memberships, awards, and accolades, please visit our Membership Criteria page. These awards and memberships should not be construed as a promise or guarantee of a similar result. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately.