West Virginia Trucking Regulations

West Virginia follows the federal 80,000 lbs GVW limit on interstates. The West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) issues oversize/overweight permits. West Virginia's mountainous terrain makes trucking challenging — virtually every highway in the state has grades, curves, or both. I-77 (including the West Virginia Turnpike through Beckley), I-64 through the New River Gorge, and I-79 through north-central WV all have significant grades. The state enforces chain requirements during winter storms. Coal truck regulations are specific to WV — designated coal haul roads have weight provisions exceeding standard limits. The WV Public Service Commission requires intrastate carrier registration.

The West Virginia Turnpike (I-77/I-64) charges trucks $4.25-$6.25 per toll point, with toll booths at multiple locations. A full turnpike trip costs approximately $15-$25 per truck. E-ZPass provides discounts. The turnpike traverses some of the steepest terrain on any US interstate. West Virginia follows federal HOS and ELD regulations. The state does not require periodic safety inspections for CMVs. WV State Police conduct CMV enforcement. The state enforces IFTA and IRP requirements. West Virginia's declining coal industry has reduced some freight volume but chemical manufacturing (Kanawha Valley) and natural gas (Marcellus Shale) provide alternative freight.