Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers | April 22, 2025 | Truck Accidents

Interstate vs. Intrastate Trucking 

In the trucking industry, understanding the difference between interstate and intrastate trucking is critical. It is particularly important when it comes to regulations, insurance requirements, and legal responsibilities. If you are involved in a truck accident, understanding whether the truck driver was engaged in interstate or intrastate commerce can impact your case. 

What Is Interstate vs. Intrastate Trucking? 

In simple terms, interstate trucking involves the transportation of goods across state lines. On the other hand, intrastate trucking involves transporting goods within a single state. Understanding this distinction is vital because the rules and regulations governing these two types of trucking can differ significantly. 

  • Interstate: If a truck transports goods from one state to another or even to another country, it is considered interstate trucking. This type of trucking falls under the jurisdiction of federal law and is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 
  • Intrastate: Intrastate trucking refers to the transportation of goods that begin and end within the same state. The laws governing intrastate trucking are determined by state regulations, not federal rules. In Florida, intrastate trucking is regulated by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV). 

The primary difference lies in the scope of the truck’s travel and the legal framework that governs its operations. 

Why Is the Distinction Between Interstate and Intrastate Important? 

The distinction between interstate and intrastate trucking plays a significant role in determining which laws apply to a particular truck driver, trucking company, and vehicle. Federal regulations can differ in some ways from the rules governing intrastate trucking. This can impact factors like insurance requirements, hours of service, and vehicle maintenance. 

For instance, when operating under federal regulations for interstate trucking, companies and drivers must adhere to federal rules. This may require more strict driver rest requirements and insurance coverage levels. On the other hand, intrastate drivers may be subject to state-specific regulations, which can vary in terms of the required insurance or driving hours. 

When a truck is engaged in interstate commerce, it is subject to federal regulations. This can include more stringent safety and insurance requirements. Trucks engaged in interstate commerce must carry higher levels of liability insurance. Sometimes, they may be required to carry up to $5 million if they carry hazardous material. 

In contrast, intrastate trucks are subject to state rules. These rules generally require lower levels of insurance coverage. These differences can have important implications when accidents happen. If you are involved in an accident with an interstate truck, there could be higher insurance coverage available. This could make a big difference in compensating for your damages. 

Call a Truck Accident Lawyer for Help Today

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you need experienced legal representation. These can be complex legal cases with high dollar values, but you may need to go up against the trucking company or its insurer. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you make the most of your claim.

Get started today by reaching out for a free consultation. Most lawyers in this area of the law work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay attorney’s fees if they successfully handle your case.

Contact the Safety Harbor Truck Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Safety Harbor. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500