Trucking Regulations in Tennessee
Complete guide to weight limits, speed limits, permits, chain laws, and special rules for commercial truck drivers operating in Tennessee.
Max Gross Weight
80,000 lbs
Truck Speed Limit
70 mph (same as cars)
Diesel Tax
$0.27 per gallon diesel + federal
Weight & Size Limits in Tennessee
| 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 Tennessee
Rural Interstate
70 mph
Urban Interstate
55 mph
Truck-Specific
70 mph (same as cars)
Fuel Tax & Tolls in Tennessee
Diesel Fuel Tax
$0.27 per gallon diesel + federal
Toll Roads & Bridges
No state toll roads (toll-free interstates). No tolls on any Tennessee highway.
Chain Laws & Weather Requirements
No chain law. Smoky Mountain roads can have winter weather in higher elevations.
Oversize & Overweight Permits
TDOT Permit Office. Online permitting available. Mountain routes in eastern TN require careful routing for oversize loads.
Port of Entry & Weigh Stations
Weigh stations on I-40, I-65, I-75, I-24, and I-81. Tennessee Highway Patrol commercial vehicle enforcement.
Special Rules for Tennessee
Hazmat Route Restrictions
Hazmat restricted through downtown Nashville and Memphis. Designated routes avoid Smoky Mountains tourist areas. FedEx/UPS air hub traffic around Memphis has specific hazmat protocols.
Rest Area & Parking Rules
Rest areas and welcome centers allow truck parking. Good rest area coverage. No anti-idling law.
DOT Inspection Frequency
Moderate to high. Tennessee Highway Patrol is active on I-40, I-65, and I-75 corridors.
Looking for Trucking Jobs in Tennessee?
Browse CDL driver positions and connect with carriers operating in Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Trucking Regulations
Are there toll roads in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee has no toll roads, bridges, or turnpikes on any highway in the state. Combined with no state income tax on wages, Tennessee is one of the most cost-effective states for trucking operations.
What makes Memphis important for trucking?
Memphis is the largest intermodal hub in the US, home to FedEx World Hub (the busiest cargo airport in the Western Hemisphere), major rail intermodal facilities, and numerous distribution centers. I-40, I-55, and I-240 carry enormous freight volumes through the Memphis metro.
What is the truck speed limit in Tennessee?
Tennessee allows 70 mph for trucks on rural interstates, matching passenger vehicles. Urban areas are 55 mph. The Smoky Mountain section of I-40 has lower posted limits with 6% grades.
How congested is Nashville for trucks?
Nashville's I-40/I-65/I-24 interchange ('the Mixmaster') is one of the most congested points in the Southeast. I-440 bypass can add relief but also gets congested. Carriers should plan 1-2 extra hours for Nashville area transit during rush hours.
What freight moves through Tennessee?
Tennessee freight is dominated by automotive (Nissan in Smyrna, GM in Spring Hill, VW in Chattanooga), FedEx logistics, healthcare products (Nashville is the healthcare capital), and intermodal container traffic through Memphis. I-40 is the busiest freight corridor.