In the United States, commercial vehicles carrying passengers and/or cargo are regulated by both state and federal laws. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), is the primary entity that oversees the trucking industry. The FMCSA imposes rules that cover trucking regulations in the United States. Which includes everything from the number of hours truck drivers are allowed to drive to how hazardous materials must be labeled to the overall size and weight restrictions of various vehicles.

Trucking companies are required by law to follow all federal and applicable state regulations; failure to do so is typically considered an act of negligence. When trucking companies violate industry regulations, they can be held accountable for any accidents that occur.

Understanding South Carolina’s Trucking Laws

In addition to federal regulations, South Carolina truck drivers or any commercial vehicle operator who holds a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by the state of South Carolina are subject to additional state trucking laws. Additionally, intrastate drivers must abide by certain South Carolina trucking regulations when entering or traveling through the state.

Some of South Carolina’s trucking regulations include:

• All individuals must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a CDL
• Drivers applying for a CDL must have a valid South Carolina driver’s license, as well as certification proving they have completed a physical medical exam
• To operate a vehicle with air brakes, double or triple trailers, or a tanker truck in South Carolina, truck drivers must obtain additional endorsements
• Truck drivers must also secure hazmat endorsements and complete a TSA background check to operate a truck that transports hazardous materials in South Carolina
• With certain exceptions, trucks in South Carolina may not exceed 20,000 pounds (plus 10% tolerance) if single axle and traveling on non-interstate roads
• Trucks must be equipped with an electronic logging device (ELD), which shows the number of hours the truck was in operation (drive hours)
• Intrastate motor carriers that operate in South Carolina must obtain and display S.C. Intrastate DOT numbers on all commercial vehicles

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