Interstate vs. Intrastate Trucking

SEO | September 18, 2025 | Truck Accidents

Interstate vs. Intrastate Trucking

If you have been injured in a San Diego truck accident, you may be dealing with painful injuries, medical expenses, and stress about the future. Additionally, you may encounter the use of confusing terms, such as “interstate” and “intrastate.” 

Here is what you need to know about these terms and their meanings. 

Interstate vs. Intrastate 

A truck is labeled “interstate” or “intrastate” depending on where it is traveling and what type of cargo it is hauling. Knowing the difference helps determine whether state or federal trucking regulations apply, especially in the event of an accident. 

In general terms:

  • Interstate trucking involves trucks that cross state lines, or that are part of a shipment going to and from another state.
  • Intrastate trucking involves trucks that stay entirely within California for the duration of their trip.

The difference may seem small, but it can play a huge role in your accident claim. That is why one of the first steps your lawyer will take is figuring out whether your crash involved an interstate or intrastate truck.

Why the Interstate vs. Intrastate Distinction Matters

Victims of San Diego trucking accidents often ask why it matters whether the truck was interstate or intrastate. The answer is that different rules, insurance requirements, and liability analyses can be involved, depending on the classification. 

The designation may affect: 

  • Insurance coverage: Interstate trucks usually must carry much higher liability insurance, which can be critical if your injuries are serious. Intrastate trucks typically have lower levels of required liability insurance coverage. 
  • Safety rules: Interstate truckers must follow strict federal rules about driving hours, rest periods, and inspections, typically governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Intrastate drivers follow California’s rules and regulations governed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. These may differ from those in other states.
  • Liability: Knowing the type of trucking operation helps determine which companies and insurers may be responsible for your damages. This can make the difference between recovering full compensation and being left with unpaid medical bills or lost income.
  • Jurisdiction: Interstate crashes can sometimes involve federal courts or multi-state legal issues. Intrastate accidents are usually handled under California’s state court system, including courts in San Diego County. 
  • Complexity of claims: Interstate cases often involve large national carriers with multiple insurers, while intrastate accidents may involve smaller local companies. This may change how negotiations and litigation are approached.

These details can feel overwhelming when you recover from an accident. Fortunately, an experienced San Diego truck accident lawyer will know how to evaluate these differences to strengthen your claim.

How This Plays Out in San Diego Truck Accident

San Diego is a major hub for the trucking industry. Every day, interstate and intrastate trucks move goods through the city. Understanding these real-world examples helps show why the distinction matters. 

Here are some common scenarios: 

  • Cross-border freight: Many trucks travel between California and Arizona or Nevada, or carry goods connected to international trade with Mexico. These are typically interstate operations.
  • Port shipments: Containers unloaded at the Port of San Diego may be transported only within California (intrastate) or shipped across state lines (interstate).
  • Local deliveries: Trucks that deliver to stores, businesses, and neighborhoods within San Diego County generally operate intrastate.

Each of these scenarios involves different rules, insurance requirements, and potential defendants. Having a lawyer who understands San Diego’s unique trucking landscape ensures that no detail is overlooked when building your claim.

Protecting Your Rights After an Interstate or Intrastate Truck Accident

You may not know whether a truck was engaged in interstate or intrastate operations after an accident, or even how to find that information. A San Diego truck accident lawyer can step in to investigate, review records, and determine which laws apply. 

Identifying how a truck was operating can allow a lawyer working on your behalf to uncover safety violations, locate potential insurance coverage, and hold responsible parties accountable. This process gives you the best chance at receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries.

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000