How Fast Can Semi Trucks Go?

Speed limits for semi-trucks differ from those for passenger vehicles due to safety concerns, braking distances, and cargo stability. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) enforces these speed limits to reduce crash risks and improve road safety within the state. 

If a speeding semi-truck causes an accident, an experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer from Christie Farrell Lee & Bell can help you determine liability and pursue compensation. In this article, we’ll cover Indiana’s semi-truck speed limits, exceptions to regulations, and how speeding impacts accident claims.

What Are the Speed Limits for Semi Trucks in Indiana?

Indiana Code § 9-21-5-2 establishes specific speed limits for commercial trucks on highways and interstates, ensuring they operate safely alongside passenger vehicles. 

Most semi-trucks are restricted to 65 mph on rural interstates, while passenger vehicles can legally travel up to 70 mph. In urban areas and construction zones, speed limits for semi-trucks are typically reduced to 55 mph or lower to minimize accident risks.

While federal regulations influence truck speed limits, individual states have the authority to set their own guidelines. Indiana’s official traffic laws and commercial vehicle regulations, available on the Indiana BMV website, outline the specific restrictions that apply to truck drivers operating within the state.

Why Do Semi Trucks Have Lower Speed Limits?

• Braking distance – Fully loaded semi-trucks require up to 40% more stopping distance than passenger vehicles.
• Cargo stability – Higher speeds increase the risk of rollovers and shifting cargo, especially when navigating curves.
• Fuel efficiency – Lower speeds help reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions for trucking companies.
• Infrastructure damage – Large commercial vehicles cause significant road wear and tear, which worsens at higher speeds.

How Do Speed Limiters Control Semi-Truck Speeds?

Speed limiters, also known as speed governors, are devices installed in semi-trucks to cap their maximum speed, typically between 62 and 68 mph. Many trucking companies use them to comply with safety regulations and reduce accident risks associated with high-speed travel. 

The FMCSA’s speed limiter proposal aims to mandate speed limiters on all newly manufactured commercial trucks. Proponents argue this reduces accident severity, while critics point out that slower-moving trucks can cause dangerous speed differentials between vehicles, leading to increased crash risks.

Are There Exceptions to Speed Limits for Semi-Trucks?

While most semi-trucks must adhere to Indiana’s standard speed limits, there are exceptions based on the type of cargo, vehicle size, and road conditions:

• Hazardous material carriers: Trucks transporting flammable, toxic, or otherwise dangerous materials often face stricter speed restrictions to reduce the risk of spills or explosions in the event of a crash.
• Oversized load vehicles: Trucks carrying overweight or oversized cargo are subject to additional speed limitations.
• Weather and road conditions: Indiana law allows law enforcement to enforce lower speed limits in hazardous conditions such as snow, ice, or heavy rain, ensuring that large trucks can stop safely and maintain control on slick roads.

How Do Speeding Semi-Trucks Affect Road Safety?

• Increased crash risk: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase accident severity, making truck crashes more likely to result in serious injuries.
• Liability in accidents: If a semi-truck exceeds speed limits and causes a crash, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable.
• Fatality rates: Speeding is a major contributor to fatal trucking accidents, increasing the likelihood of devastating injuries and wrongful death claims.

How Does Indiana Enforce Semi-Truck Speed Limits?

Indiana enforces semi-truck speed limits through a combination of law enforcement patrols, automated monitoring, and penalties for violations. 

The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division actively monitors highways to ensure trucks comply with speed regulations, often using radar and marked patrol units to catch violators. Officers conduct random inspections at weigh stations and checkpoints to check compliance with federal and state safety regulations, including speed limits.

In construction zones, Indiana uses automated speed cameras to detect and fine speeding commercial vehicles. These cameras help enforce reduced speed limits in high-risk areas where work crews and changing road conditions increase the likelihood of accidents.

Truck drivers who exceed legal speed limits face fines, points on their commercial driver’s license (CDL), and potential suspension for repeat offenses. Insurance premiums for trucking companies can also rise significantly when drivers accumulate violations.

What Happens If a Speeding Semi-Truck Causes an Accident?

If a speeding semi-truck causes an accident, you need strong evidence to support your claim and ensure you recover full compensation. Proving the truck was exceeding legal speed limits is crucial for holding the driver and trucking company accountable after a crash:

1. Steps to take after an accident: Call 911 immediately to report the crash and seek medical attention. Take photos of the scene, gather witness statements, and note any visible skid marks or traffic signals that could indicate excessive speed.
2. Proving the truck was speeding: Use available evidence, including dashcam footage, GPS tracking, and black box data, which records the truck’s speed before impact. Police reports and accident reconstruction specialists can also provide critical insights into whether speed played a role in the crash.
3. Legal action against a trucking company: When a speeding truck causes a collision, both the driver and the trucking company may be held responsible. If the company encouraged unsafe driving practices, ignored FMCSA regulations, or failed to monitor its drivers, you may be able to seek compensation from corporate insurance policies.

A skilled attorney from Christie Farrell Lee & Bell can help you file a truck accident claim by gathering critical evidence, consulting accident reconstruction experts, and negotiating with insurers to seek maximum compensation.

Contact an Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer for Help

If a speeding semi-truck caused a crash that resulted in injuries or fatalities, legal representation can make all the difference in your case’s outcome.

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our legal team has over 30 years of experience handling all types of truck accident cases. We’re ready to investigate the incident to determine all liable parties, prove negligence, and fight for the maximum compensation available for your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs.

Contact our Indiana truck accident attorneys today for a free case review. During this meeting, a lawyer from our team will assess your case, determine the best legal strategy, and estimate your claim’s potential value.