Trucking Regulations in Louisiana
Complete guide to weight limits, speed limits, permits, chain laws, and special rules for commercial truck drivers operating in Louisiana.
Max Gross Weight
80,000 lbs
Truck Speed Limit
75 mph (same as cars on rural interstates)
Diesel Tax
$0.20 per gallon diesel + federal
Weight & Size Limits in Louisiana
| Measurement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Vehicle Weight | 80,000 lbs |
| Max Axle Weight | 20,000 lbs single axle, 34,000 lbs tandem |
| Max Trailer Length | 53 ft trailer, 65 ft overall |
| Max Width | 102 inches |
| Max Height | 13'6" |
Speed Limits for Trucks in Louisiana
Rural Interstate
75 mph
Urban Interstate
55-60 mph
Truck-Specific
75 mph (same as cars on rural interstates)
Fuel Tax & Tolls in Louisiana
Diesel Fuel Tax
$0.20 per gallon diesel + federal
Toll Roads & Bridges
Crescent City Connection (Greater New Orleans Expressway) toll bridge. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. LA-1 toll bridge in Lafourche Parish. Various smaller bridge tolls.
Chain Laws & Weather Requirements
No chain law. No winter weather concerns for trucking.
Oversize & Overweight Permits
Louisiana DOTD Transportation Permits. Online permitting through LaPAC system. Bayou bridges may restrict heavy loads.
Port of Entry & Weigh Stations
Weigh stations on I-10, I-20, I-12, and I-55. Louisiana also uses mobile enforcement along the Mississippi River corridor.
Special Rules for Louisiana
Hazmat Route Restrictions
Extensive hazmat routing in petrochemical corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Hazmat restricted in French Quarter and downtown New Orleans. Designated routes for chemical plant access.
Rest Area & Parking Rules
Rest areas allow parking up to 16 hours. Louisiana Welcome Centers have generous truck parking. No anti-idling law.
DOT Inspection Frequency
Moderate. Louisiana State Police focuses on I-10, I-20, and the petrochemical corridor. Targeted enforcement on tanker and hazmat vehicles.
Looking for Trucking Jobs in Louisiana?
Browse CDL driver positions and connect with carriers operating in Louisiana.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Trucking Regulations
How does hurricane season affect Louisiana trucking?
Hurricane season (June through November) poses serious risks to Louisiana trucking. Storms can flood highways, destroy bridges, and close ports for days or weeks. I-10 through the Atchafalaya Basin is particularly vulnerable. Evacuation orders redirect traffic and carrier schedules should build in storm contingency plans.
What is the truck speed limit in Louisiana?
Louisiana allows 75 mph for trucks on rural interstates, matching passenger vehicle limits. This is among the higher truck speed limits in the country. Urban interstates are 55-60 mph, and the I-10 bridge over Lake Charles has a 60 mph limit.
What are the bridge clearance concerns in Louisiana?
Southern Louisiana has numerous bayou bridges with low clearances, some below 13 ft. Drivers must use commercial GPS routing and watch for posted clearances. Many parish roads have bridges with weight and height restrictions that are not well-marked.
What is the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin crossing like?
The I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is an 18-mile elevated highway through Louisiana's largest swamp with no shoulders, no exits, and no stopping allowed. Breakdowns require tow service from either end. High winds can restrict high-profile vehicles. This stretch is one of the most challenging interstate sections in the US.
What freight is generated by Louisiana ports?
The Port of South Louisiana and Port of New Orleans combine to make Louisiana one of the highest-volume port complexes in the Western Hemisphere. The petrochemical corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans generates massive tanker traffic. Grain exports, petroleum products, and containerized cargo drive truck demand.