65-foot maximum rules for truckers on Sierra highways

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Those watching the roads around Lake Tahoe during storms will often see a California Highway Patrol (CHP) incident where a "big rig" is stuck going around Emerald Bay on SR-89.

During normal conditions, a truck and attached trailer have a difficult time making the switchbacks just south of Emerald Point but add snow and the situation is dangerous.

The highway around Emerald Bay has been closed during the most recent storms, yet two large trucks have had to be towed after being stuck at the switchbacks just before the road closure gate.

California vehicle code states "No vehicle combinations may exceed a total length of 65 feet. A combination of vehicles which consists of a truck tractor, a semitrailer, and a semitrailer or trailer, may not exceed 75 feet, if neither the semitrailers nor the trailer in the combination of vehicles exceeds 28 feet 6 inches.

Signs on US50 through South Lake Tahoe and over Echo Summit during winter state "no trucks over 65 feet."

Trucks with a day cab (one without living quarters) with a 53-foot long trailer will be under this length rule, but add the sleeper birth and almost always the truck will be over 65 feet.

On Sunday night, a big rig with a FedEx trailer was heading north on SR-89 from Camp Richarson and became stuck above the switchback area trying to turn around at the closure gate.

On Tuesday this week, an 18-wheeler semi-truck (big rig) became stuck on SR-89 at the switchback at 7 p.m. It remained there overnight as no tow services were available to get it out.

Many may remember the Starbucks truck that went off the road near Eagle Falls in November, While the road was open for vehicles with chains or 4WD with snow tires, 65-foot trucks were not allowed.

So why do these situations continue?

Truckers are supposed to use a special map app that shows them where they can travel with weight, length, and weight limits listed along the roadway. When a major highway has chain controls due to snow or is closed, many truck drivers search for a way to get their loads over the Sierra.

"Truck drivers are supposed to set up GPS for truck routes and go on approved routes," said CHP South Lake Tahoe Office Ruth Loehr. "They are supposed to follow regulatory signage that shows what is approved."

Trucks are not allowed on all routes and SR-89 is an example. Loehr said Highway 4 in Alpine County is another example where truckers attempt to travel.

CHP officers are not allowed to stop someone to prevent them from doing something prior to a law being broken as they have to actually break it before action can be made unless there are safety issues.

The truck drivers that break the law will be cited, and if their rigs become stuck they have a hefty tow bill waiting for them. There are very few tow trucks in the Sierra able to handle heavy and long loads, so stuck trucks can be there for a while.

The American Trucking Association has standards professional drivers are supposed to follow. But when road controls go up or I-80 closes, a large number of big rigs can be seen making their way to the South Shore to attempt going over Echo Summit on US50. They will then be turned around since staff is in place at the base checking chains. That is when the truck drivers attempt to get back to I-80 and use SR-89. Trucker map apps would show not allowed, but normal map apps would show a route (when open).

"Big rig drivers break the law all the time in snow conditions," said Loehr.

Loehr said double trailers of 75 feet total could make curved roads easier than 65-foot trailers, but when the signs are up for a 65-foot maximum, that is the limit. Truck drivers must also always carry chains at all times, and at some times during snow conditions have to pull over and prove they are carrying them.