Truck Height Violations

Hampton Roads is home to one of the busiest ports on the East Coast, and has three of the world’s ten bridge and tunnel systems to accommodate the need for travel across waterways. Based on varying tunnel sizes and what they can accommodate, there are varying restrictions on height and weight for commercial trucks. Many tunnels use optical sensors to detect trucks that exceed the maximum height and issue tickets accordingly.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is an amazing 20-miles long and connects Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore as a continuation of US Route 13. As the world’s longest bridge tunnel system, it saves motorists 95 miles and 1.5 hours of travel time. Because of its convenience, the CBBT is highly traveled by commercial trucks. The CBBT has a maximum height of 13 feet, 6 inches.

Other highly traveled bridge tunnels in Hampton Roads include the 4.6 mile Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel that connects Suffolk and Hampton through the continuation of Interstate 664 over the area where the James, Elizabeth and Nansemond Rivers all come together, and the 3.5 mile Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel that connects Norfolk and Hampton through the continuation of Interstate 64 over the Chesapeake Bay. Both can accommodate trucks up to 14 feet, 6 inches.

There are two smaller tunnel systems connecting Norfolk and Portsmouth. The Downtown Tunnel connects the two cities through continuation of I264 over the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. The Midtown Tunnel connects the two cities through the continuation of Route 58 over the main channel of the Elizabeth River. Both tunnels can only accommodate trucks that are 13 feet, 6 inches.

Penalties for truck height violations are harsh! A first offense can cost you three demerit points and up to $1,000. A second offense can cost you $2,500 and your CDL!

There are a number of defenses available depending on the circumstances of your case. Avoid employment consequences, insurance increases and costly fines. Give us a call today at (757) 464-9224 or contact us online so we can determine your best defense!