Category: trucking regulations

Everything You Need To Know About Frost Laws

Posted on March 2, 2021 by - trucking regulations

In an effort to curb damage to roadways in the northern United States, seasonal weight restrictions (also known as frost laws) are put into effect every year as the roads start to thaw out.

Typically, from March to May, authorities will limit the weight of trucks and/or speed of trucks that can travel on certain roads while the ground is soft.

Here’s every state that puts frost laws into effect and what you need to know when traveling in northern states in the spring. 

States with Frost Laws 

Idaho

Idaho will sign and mark affected state highways the day before the weight and/ or speed restrictions are in effect. On those sections of highways trucks and buses weighing 10,000 pounds or more will be restricted to 30 mph in critical areas. For specific information about which routes are posted, check out this link.

Illinois

Illinois has seasonal weight restrictions on non-state roads only. State roads do not have frost laws in effect.

Iowa

While Iowa does put frost laws into effect, specific information is difficult to find. Check this link for a map of counties with restrictions in place. Try this link for more resources.

Maine

Maine updates frost laws online so that you can always have the most up-to-date information. Find the latest info here.

Michigan

Michigan updates frost laws online so that you can always have the most up-to-date information. Find the latest info here.

Minnesota

While Minnesota does put frost laws into effect, specific information is difficult to find. Check this link for dates when restrictions go into place. Try this link for contact information for specific counties.

Montana

Montana updates frost laws online so that you can always have the most up-to-date information. Find the latest info here.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire updates frost laws online so that you can always have the most up-to-date information. Find the latest info here.

New York

New York updates frost laws online so that you can always have the most up-to-date information. Find the latest info here.

North Dakota

North Dakota updates frost laws online so that you can always have the most up-to-date information. Find the latest info here.

Ohio

Ohio has seasonal weight restrictions on non-state roads only. State roads do not have frost laws in effect.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania updates frost laws online so that you can always have the most up-to-date information. Find the latest info here.

South Dakota

South Dakota updates frost laws online so that you can always have the most up-to-date information. Find the latest info here.

Vermont

Vermont has seasonal weight restrictions on non-state roads only. State roads do not have frost laws in effect.

Washington

Washington provides an updated list of truck restricted roads online. However, roads with seasonal weight restrictions are not specifically listed there.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin updates frost laws online so that you can always have the most up-to-date information. Find the latest info here.

Wyoming

Wyoming updates frost laws online so that you can always have the most up-to-date information. Find the latest info here.

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Everything You Need to Best Prepare for CVSA Inspections

Posted on August 20, 2019 by - brake safety week, cvsa, CVSA inspections, CVSA schedule, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, truck driver regulations, truck driver safety, trucking regulations

Almost 4 million commercial motor vehicle inspections occur across North America each year.

As a truck driver, it’s important to stay prepared for CVSA inspections in order to remain in operation and maintain safety.

The CVSA, or Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, creates inspection procedures and criteria to ensure truck driver safety on the road.

There are various levels of CVSA inspections, but one of the biggest on the CVSA schedule is brake safety week.

This year, CVSA brake safety week will occur September 15-21, 2019.

Brake maintenance ensures truck driver safety and the safety of others on the road. Let’s go over some trucking regulations for brake safety week and other CVSA inspections.

CVSA

Brake Safety Week

Brake Safety Week focuses on truck driver safety regulations regarding brake maintenance. This year, inspectors will pay special attention to brake hoses/tubing.

Here is a CVSA inspection you can do yourself in preparation for brake safety week:

1. Gather Tools

You’ll need blocks, chalk, a small ruler, brake linings, and a brake application device.

2. Prepare Truck

Park on level road and place blocks behind your wheels. Check that air pressure is 90-100 psi and release parking brakes. Listen for air leaks.

3. Inspect For…

Rubbing/worn air hoses, air drum brake pad above ¼”, air disk brake above ⅛”, cracked pads/linings, excessive camshaft movement, and external brake drum cracks.

4. Measure Push-Rod Travel Stroke

Make chalk mark on each push-rod at rear of brake chamber and apply full brake application. Measure from chalk mark to rear of brake chamber and check results with the standards below:

Brake Chamber Type & Size
Location
Max Travel Limit Allowed
Short stroke 20 or 24 (round air port)
Steer axles
1.75 inches
Short stroke 30
Truck drives & Trailer axles
2 inches
Long stroke 20 or 24
Steer axles
2 inches
Long stroke 30 (square air port)
Truck drives & Trailer axles
2.5 inches

CVSA Schedule

It is important to note that CVSA inspections are not always announced. For instance, an unannounced brake safety inspection swept the country earlier this year on May 15, 2019.

Be sure to constantly inspect your truck and get routine maintenance done.

Regardless of whether or not there’s an upcoming inspection planned, truck driver safety and the safety of those around you on the road is critical.

You can find CVSA scheduled inspections on their website, but be prepared for unexpected inspections as well.

A CVSA inspection called Safe Driver Week happens in the summer and focuses on unsafe driver behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, and improper lane change.

Remember, truck driver regulations can change, so check CVSA to stay updated.

Stay Compliant

Staying compliant with CVSA trucking regulations is necessary for truck driver safety and truck operation. Trucks not in compliance with CVSA trucking regulations will be taken off the road until fixed.

Don’t waste time or risk your own personal safety. Prepare for brake safety week and stay up to date with the CVSA schedule.

Also, be aware of another huge upcoming deadline…

September 3rd is the last day to file IRS Form 2290 without penalty!

You must file Form 2290 to avoid fees and receive your stamped Schedule 1, which is required for operation. Take as little as 10 minutes and file today with ExpressTruckTax.