What governs the laws about securing loads and regulating CMV weights during interstate travel?

The correct understanding of load securing and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) weight regulations during interstate travel revolves around the idea that the laws of the state the vehicle is in take precedence. This is based on the principle that while federal regulations provide overarching safety and operational standards for CMVs, individual states maintain authority over specific aspects such as load securement practices and weight limits within their jurisdictions.

When a CMV is operating in a particular state, that state’s laws apply to ensure compliance with local regulations. For example, if a truck is traveling through Connecticut, it must adhere to Connecticut's load securing laws and weight restrictions for that portion of the trip, even if it originated from or is heading to a different state with potentially different regulations.

Federal laws may set certain minimum standards, but states can impose stricter requirements, which means that the truck driver must be mindful of the specific laws applicable in each state to avoid penalties. Therefore, understanding and following the law of the state in which the vehicle is operating is crucial for legal compliance and road safety.