VTL 385-3(b) – Overlength Semitrailer (48 Feet)

Attorneys at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office can represent commercial drivers and trucking companies cited under VTL § 385(3)(b), "Overlength Semitrailer." New York State maintains strict length limits for semitrailers and trailers to ensure safety on highways. Operating a semitrailer that exceeds the maximum length limit of 48 feet (or 28.5 feet when in a combination with another trailer) without proper authorization can lead to significant fines and possible loss of commercial driving privileges.

Penalties for VTL 385-3(b) Overlength Semitrailer

Violations of VTL § 385(3)(b) are typically issued as traffic infractions. The fines are substantial compared to standard traffic tickets.

• First offense: Fine between $200 and $500; up to 30 days jail; surcharge $88 (city courts) / $93 (town & village courts).
• Second offense (within 18 months): Fine between $500 and $1,000; up to 60 days jail; surcharge $88 / $93.

While "overlength semitrailer" violations do not carry driver violation points, they can impact a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holder's employment record and CSA scores for carriers. Courts also have discretion to impose the higher end of the fine range, especially for egregious violations. For other dimension violations, such as VTL 385 Overwidth violations or VTL 385 Overweight violations, penalties can also be severe.

Statute

The relevant section of the Vehicle and Traffic Law states:

§ 385. Dimensions and weights of vehicles.

3. (b) The length of a semitrailer or trailer shall not exceed forty-eight feet provided, however, that the length of any trailer or semitrailer being operated in combination with another trailer or semitrailer shall not exceed twenty-eight and one-half feet. A B-train assembly shall be excluded from the measurement of the length of a semitrailer when such semitrailer is in use between the tractor and the second semitrailer in a tractor-semitrailer-semitrailer combination of vehicles.

What This Means for Drivers: In simple terms, a semitrailer or trailer cannot exceed 48 feet in length when operated alone or as part of a single-trailer combination. However, if you're operating a combination with multiple trailers or semitrailers (like a double-bottom setup), each trailer/semitrailer in that combination cannot exceed 28.5 feet. Importantly, when measuring the length of a semitrailer in a B-train assembly (used between a tractor and second semitrailer), the B-train assembly itself is excluded from the length measurement, which allows for longer combinations. If your semitrailer exceeds these limits, you generally need a Special Hauling Permit or must qualify for other exceptions.

How to Fight a VTL § 385(3)(b) Ticket

Fighting an overlength semitrailer ticket involves examining the specifics of the stop, the measurement method, whether you're operating a combination, and if B-train assembly exclusions apply. This is especially important for commercial drivers where license status and employment are at stake, similar to other CDL endorsement violations.

Common defense angles include:

• Measurement Accuracy: Did the officer use a calibrated measuring device? Was the measurement taken correctly? For B-train assemblies, was the B-train assembly properly excluded from the measurement as required by law?
• Combination Vehicle Classification: Was this a single semitrailer (48-foot limit) or part of a multi-trailer combination (28.5-foot limit per trailer)? Was this properly identified by the officer?
• B-Train Assembly Exclusion: If you were operating a tractor-semitrailer-semitrailer combination, was the semitrailer between the tractor and second semitrailer measured correctly with the B-train assembly excluded?
• Permits: Did the driver have a valid Special Hauling Permit that covered the length dimensions? Was there a misunderstanding of the permit's conditions or route restrictions?
• Load Overhang: Was the semitrailer itself within legal limits, but the load was temporarily extending beyond? Can you demonstrate that the trailer can be loaded to comply with the length limit?
• Special Highway Exemptions: Were you operating on a qualifying highway that may allow longer trailers under other provisions, such as those in VTL 385(3)(e)?

Why These Tickets Are Common: Commercial drivers operating tractor-trailer combinations often face these tickets at Department of Transportation (DOT) checkpoints or when pulled over for other violations. Officers are vigilant about semitrailer length because overlength trailers can pose safety risks in traffic, at intersections, and when turning. These violations are common when drivers operate trailers near the 48-foot limit without verifying exact dimensions, or when they improperly measure combination vehicles. The distinction between single-trailer (48 feet) and multi-trailer combinations (28.5 feet per trailer) is critical and sometimes misunderstood.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office can handle VTL § 385 violations statewide. Our team is ready, willing, and able to take on cases, including overlength semitrailer cases. Attorneys at our firm strive to understand the nuances of commercial vehicle regulations, B-train assemblies, and combination vehicle requirements. We work to protect your license and your company's bottom line. At your convenience, contact us via phone call, email, or text message. We will be glad to review your case for free. Consultations are free.

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