Semi-Truck Wheel “Spikes”
Semi-trucks often sport imposing spikes on their wheels, leaving many wondering about their purpose and legality. These wheel spikes, known as lug nut covers, have a multifaceted role that combines safety and aesthetics.
Safety and Awareness on the Road: Wheel spikes are primarily safety features designed to alert other drivers and encourage them to maintain a safe distance from the truck. Semi-trucks have substantial blind spots, making it difficult for their drivers to see vehicles directly in these “no-zones.” These spikes serve as visible cues to other drivers to steer clear.
Aesthetic Appeal and Personalization: Many truck drivers take pride in their rigs’ appearance. Customization culture is prevalent in North America, with spiked lug nut covers becoming part of the unique style these drivers create.
Legal Landscape: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lays out the regulations that commercial truck drivers are required to abide by, focusing on crucial safety aspects. Section 5.1.15 (found here) covers wheel requirements, stating that wheels and rims cannot be broken, stud holes cannot be “out of round,” and that nuts and bolts cannot be missing or loose. Remarkably, there are no specific laws governing the shape or size of lug nut covers. As long as these wheel spikes do not exceed a vehicle’s width limit of 12 feet, they are entirely legal, with Hawaii currently the only state with specific regulations limiting their length.
Real-World Impact and Safety: Despite their formidable appearance, spiked lug nut covers are typically made of chromed plastic or aluminum, rendering them harmless upon contact with other vehicles. They serve as reminders for motorists to exercise caution around large trucks and rarely extend beyond the truck’s width. This makes significant contact with other vehicles unlikely unless unusual swerving occurs.
Rideout Law Group’s Legal Expertise in Trucking Cases: Rideout Law Group serves the entire state of Arizona, with offices in Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City, and is experienced in handling criminal trucking cases, including issues such being overweight, lacking log books, drug transportation, and more.
RIDEOUT LAW GROUP
With offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale, our firm serves the entire state of Arizona, with a particular focus on criminal defense, family law, and juvenile cases.
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- charges that are reduced or dropped.
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At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.
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