Company drivers, especially truck drivers, have extra rules on top of everything else in this handbook. If you'll drive a company vehicle, learn these equipment, warning-device and size limits.
Truck lights and equipment:
- All lights and reflectors clean, working and visible 500 feet from the rear of the truck-trailer
- A mechanical or electrical device for giving turn signals
- Reflectors on the rear and near-rear sides show red; on the front and near-front sides, amber
- Two red reflectors on the rear, and a red taillight
- A stop light (may be part of the taillight) that shows red or amber when you apply the foot brake
- Clearance and side-marker lamps: amber on or near the front, red on or near the rear
Know the rule
A vehicle designed or loaded so the driver's rear view is blocked must have a side mirror that lets the driver see at least 200 feet to the rear. The muffler must work well, with no cutout or bypass.
Handbook p. 84 ↗Know the rule
If you operate a bus or truck at night, carry at least three flares, fuses, electric flares or reflectors.
Handbook p. 84 ↗If the vehicle becomes disabled, place warning devices:
- One approximately 100 feet ahead of your location
- One 100 feet to the rear
- One at the roadway side of the vehicle
- In daylight, red flags in the same positions
Size limits
| Limit | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Width of any vehicle, including its load | 8½ feet |
| Width of a farm tractor | 10 feet |
| Height, loaded or unloaded | 13½ feet |
| Length of a single vehicle, with both bumpers | 40 feet |
| Semitrailer (tractor-semitrailer) or trailer | 53 feet |
| Each unit in a double-trailer combination | 30 feet |
Know the rule
The 13½-foot height is permitted only if no underpass, trestle, wire, pole or other structure must be raised or altered. If your vehicle is over 12½ feet tall, you or the owner are responsible for damage caused by the excess height.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Load extension:
- Rear: forest or farm products in natural state may project up to 28 feet beyond the rear axle
- Items that can't be shortened, like utility poles, need a special MDOT permit
- Those loads: daylight only, secured by at least 2 chains, wire ropes or nylon straps
- Front: no more than 3 feet beyond the front wheels or front bumper
Know the rule
No semitrailer or trailer combinations of more than two units (not counting the towing vehicle). No more than two vehicles may be towed by saddle mounts, and no more than one motor vehicle by towbar.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Know the rule
For gross weight regulations, contact the nearest Mississippi Department of Transportation office.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Put it into practice
Your company truck breaks down at night on the shoulder. Place one flare or reflector about 100 feet ahead of the truck, one 100 feet behind, and one at the roadway side of the truck.