Maryland Trucking Regulations

Maryland follows the federal 80,000 lbs GVW limit on interstate highways. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) issues oversize/overweight permits through the Hauling Permits Unit. Single-trip permits start at $30. Maryland has strict weight limits on many state roads and bridges — the state maintains a bridge weight limit database that carriers should check before routing. MDOT SHA operates weigh stations on I-95, I-70, and I-81. Maryland Transportation Authority Police and Maryland State Police conduct CMV enforcement. Overweight fines start at $250. The Port of Baltimore's container traffic generates significant drayage trucking demand, with container weight limits strictly enforced on local roads.

Maryland's I-95 corridor is one of the busiest freight routes on the East Coast, connecting the Northeast to Washington DC and the Southeast. The state charges truck tolls at several points: the Fort McHenry Tunnel ($12 for 5+ axle trucks), the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel ($12), the Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement corridor, and the JFK Memorial Highway (I-95 NE, $12). The Chesapeake Bay Bridge (US-50) charges $8 for trucks. E-ZPass provides discounts and is essentially required for efficient operations. Total toll costs for a single I-95 through-trip across Maryland can reach $24-$36. Maryland participates in the E-ZPass Interagency Group. Truck restrictions apply on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (no commercial vehicles) and several scenic routes.

Maryland requires intrastate carriers to register with the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC). The state follows federal HOS and ELD regulations. Maryland requires biennial safety inspections for commercial vehicles registered in the state — one of the periodic inspection states. The Maryland Vehicle Safety Inspection Program (VEIP) also includes emissions testing in the Baltimore and Washington DC metro areas. Maryland enforces IFTA and IRP requirements. The state has an anti-idling law limiting truck idling to 5 minutes in most situations (COMAR 26.11.33). Fines for idling violations start at $500. The Port of Baltimore requires TWIC cards for facility access and has specific appointment and turn time requirements.