Trucks on Tail of the Dragon

Over the years, Tail of the Dragon has battled with 18-wheelers and large trailers operating on this famous stretch of road. Today, it is illegal. If caught, drivers are likely to lose their CDL and pay large fines. Watch out, though, we still see trucks sneaking through due to a lack of understanding or local road closures. If you see one approaching Tail of the Dragon, wave them down to advise them to read the length restriction road signs and turn around. For the most part, we do not blame the drivers of these big rigs. Nine out of ten do not realize what they were getting into until it is too late, and would prefer to take another route if possible.

NC State Law

It is illegal for trucks with trailers longer than 30 feet to operate on US 129 from the Graham/Swain County Line (Cheoah Dam) to the NC/TN State Line. They are also banned on NC 28 from NC 143 all the way to US 129. This ban list also restricts the entire Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina.

NOTE: The North Carolina restrictions do not apply to single vehicles longer than 30 feet such as RVs. The Tennessee law covers all vehicles longer than 30 feet.

History of Trucks on Tail of the Dragon

Trucks on Tail of the Dragon have always been an issue for locals, enthusiasts, and even law enforcement. Going back to the early 2000s, a popular trucking company had many drivers causing tragic accidents on the Tail of the Dragon. When confronted with the issue in 2006, Swift replied with the below:

UPDATE January 2006 Email from Swift Transportation:

How are we doing? We have been making every effort to route our trucks away from the Dragon, but occasionally we still have a rogue Driver that wants to do it “his own way.”

If you see us up there, I would sure appreciate notification. I assure you, we will address it. I still frequent your website. What a great job you have done on that! Beautiful scenery.

The Trucking industry sure gets a “black eye” but rightly so. I hope that we (Swift) will be able to outlive our earlier reputation and become known as the Company that took action and made a difference. We are truly trying. I wish you safe and enjoyable riding.

Sincerely, Jim Wright,

CDS Swift Transportation Manager Driver Safety Performance & Log Audit

2012 – NORTH CAROLINA BANNED TRUCKS WITH TRAILERS MORE THAN 30 FEET IN LENGTH ON ROADS APPROACHING TAIL OF THE DRAGON

After years of accidents and complaints, in 2012, North Carolina finally took a step to ban trucks on roads approaching the Tail of the Dragon.  North Carolina led the way for Tennessee, making it illegal for trucks with trailers longer than 30 feet to operate on US 129 from the Graham/Swain County Line (Cheoah Dam) to the NC/TN State Line. They are also banned on NC 28 from NC 143 all the way to US 129. Additionally, on this ban list was the entire Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina.

NOTE: The North Carolina restrictions do not apply to single vehicles longer than 30 feet, such as RVs. The Tennessee law covers all vehicles longer than 30 feet.

That same year, the Tennessee commissioner addressed the major issue of trucks being on the Tail of the Dragon.

“The commissioner (John C. Schroer) added that TDOT provides enhanced safety advisories regarding potentially dangerous roadways and that it is the responsibility of motorists to exercise a greater amount of caution when traveling winding mountain roads.”

2015 – TENNESSEE FINALLY BANNED TRUCKS ON TAIL OF THE DRAGON

It took over 15 years, numerous accidents, close calls, and a motorcyclist death to finally get the State of Tennessee to ban trucks on this stretch of US 129. Dragon lover Dwight “Ike” Woodward was killed by a semi-truck at mile marker 6 in 2011. His needless death was not in vain as it resulted in the State of Tennessee finally banning these vehicles from the famed roadway.

Since 2015, there are stray trucks or trailers that attempt to pass through Tail of the Dragon. US 129 is a unique mountain pass that significantly cuts down on travel time to certain mountain towns, making it a prime route for the uninformed driver to mistakenly end up here. Locals and law enforcement have tried to address the situation by adding more warning signs and redirecting drivers who are over 30 feet.