Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers | September 22, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Trucks play a big role in moving goods across California and the rest of the country. Whether it’s food, clothing, or construction materials, large commercial trucks help keep businesses running. But not all truck trips are the same.
There are two main types of trucking: interstate and intrastate. Understanding the difference is important, especially if you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident. It affects who regulates the truck, what laws apply, and who may be held responsible.
What Is Interstate Trucking?
Interstate trucking means a truck crosses state lines. It can also mean a truck carries goods that are part of a shipment traveling from one state to another—even if the truck stays in one state.
For example, if a truck leaves California and delivers goods to Nevada, that’s clearly interstate. However, even if the truck only travels within California, it could still be considered interstate if the cargo starts its journey in another state and goes to another.
Interstate trucking is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This agency sets rules on safety, licensing, hours of service, insurance, and vehicle maintenance. Because these trucks travel longer distances and may cross into different states, they are often held to stricter rules to protect both the driver and the public.
What Is Intrastate Trucking?
Intrastate trucking means a truck operates only within one state. The driver picks up and delivers goods within California, and the cargo never crosses state lines. These trucks are regulated by state laws, not federal laws. In California, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversee intrastate trucking rules.
Drivers must still follow rules for safety and licensing, but the requirements may differ from federal standards. For example, California may have its own rules for rest breaks or equipment.
Even though intrastate trucks stay in-state, they can still cause serious accidents. Understanding whether the truck was operating under state or federal law can affect how a legal case is handled.
Key Differences Between Interstate and Intrastate Trucking
One of the biggest differences between these two types of trucking is who makes and enforces the rules. Interstate trucking follows federal regulations, while intrastate trucking follows state rules. This affects everything from driver qualifications to how long a driver can be on the road.
For instance:
- Hours of service: Interstate drivers follow FMCSA rules, which limit the number of hours a trucker can drive per day and week. California may have different rules for intrastate drivers.
- Licensing and permits: Drivers involved in interstate trucking usually need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) that meets federal requirements. Intrastate drivers still need a CDL but may have different testing and paperwork based on California rules.
- Insurance requirements: Interstate trucking companies must meet federal insurance minimums, which are often higher. Intrastate companies only need to meet California’s requirements, which may be lower.
These differences may seem small, but they can make a big impact after a truck accident.
Contact Our San Diego Truck Accident Lawyers for Help After an Interstate or Intrastate Truck Crash
Understanding the difference between interstate and intrastate trucking can greatly affect your personal injury case. Different rules govern these two types of trucking, involve different insurance requirements, and may affect how much compensation you can receive.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A San Diego truck accident lawyer from Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through the process and help you get the justice you deserve.
For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
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Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
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Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
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