Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations

Federal trucking regulations play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the commercial trucking industry. For truck drivers, understanding these regulations is essential not only for compliance but also for protecting public safety on the road. Violations of these regulations can lead to serious legal consequences, including liability in truck accident cases. If you have suffered a personal injury due to a truck accident, an investigation might reveal violations of federal trucking violations.

What Are Trucking Regulations?

Trucking regulations are federal and state laws designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of commercial trucking operations. These rules govern various aspects of the industry, including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and operational practices. Compliance with these regulations helps reduce accidents, protect road users, and maintain the integrity of the commercial trucking industry.

Federal Trucking Regulations 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for overseeing commercial motor vehicles. It aims to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks through its safety regulations and oversight. Federal trucking regulations are designed to ensure the safety of truck drivers, their passengers, and others on the road. These are some of the regulations:

Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

One of the most critical aspects of federal trucking regulations is the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which are designed to prevent driver fatigue and ensure truck drivers do not exceed safe working hours. Fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents, as long hours behind the wheel can impair concentration, reaction time, and decision-making. 

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: A truck driver can drive for a maximum of 11 consecutive hours, but only after being off duty for at least 10 hours.
• 14-Hour Workday: After 14 hours of being on duty, a driver must stop driving, even if they have not used all of their 11 hours of driving time. This ensures the driver takes a break and rests.
• 30-Minute Rest Break: After driving for 8 hours, a trucker must take a 30-minute break before continuing to drive.
• 70-Hour Limit: Over a period of seven consecutive days, a truck driver is not allowed to exceed 70 hours of driving time. Once the limit is reached, the driver must take at least 34 consecutive hours off duty before beginning a new cycle.

Driver Qualifications

To operate a truck, drivers must meet certain qualifications, ensuring they possess the necessary skills, experience, and physical health to drive safely. They must also hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The CDL is issued by individual states but must meet federal standards. 

Medical Exams

Truck drivers must undergo a physical exam every two years conducted by a licensed medical examiner. The medical examination checks for issues like poor vision, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other medical conditions that could affect driving ability. Drivers who fail to meet health standards must provide medical documentation or restrict their driving.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections

Under the FMCSA regulations, trucking companies must perform regular inspections on their vehicles to ensure that they are roadworthy. The required inspections include:

• Pre-trip inspections: Drivers must inspect their vehicles before starting a trip, checking for issues with tires, lights, brakes, and other safety systems.
• Annual inspections: Trucks must undergo a more comprehensive inspection each year by a qualified mechanic. 
• Roadside inspections: The FMCSA also mandates random inspections by law enforcement officers at weigh stations or during roadside stops. 

FMCSA regulations also require trucking companies to keep detailed records of vehicle maintenance, including repairs, part replacements, and any other maintenance activities. Keeping these records ensures that the vehicles are in optimal condition and reduces the risk of breakdowns or accidents.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Before a truck driver is hired, they must undergo drug and alcohol testing. This ensures that only drivers who are drug- and alcohol-free are allowed to operate commercial vehicles. FMCSA regulations require that trucking companies conduct random drug and alcohol testing throughout the year. These tests are unannounced and are typically conducted on a random basis to ensure drivers remain compliant with drug and alcohol-free requirements. After a serious accident, drivers must be tested for drugs and alcohol, regardless of whether they are at fault. This helps to determine if drugs or alcohol contributed to the accident.

Cargo Securement

One of the major concerns for truck drivers and trucking companies is ensuring that cargo is properly secured during transport. FMCSA regulations require that cargo be properly secured using appropriate methods, such as tie-downs, straps, or load bars. Drivers are also required to inspect their load at regular intervals during transport to ensure it remains secure. For trucks carrying hazardous materials, additional regulations apply. Drivers must adhere to strict guidelines for securing hazardous materials and must be specially trained to handle such cargo. The proper labeling and placarding of hazardous materials are also required to ensure that others on the road are aware of the potential danger.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

In recent years, the FMCSA has implemented regulations that require trucking companies to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track drivers’ hours of service. ELDs are electronic devices that automatically record the amount of time a driver spends driving and working. The use of ELDs is designed to reduce paperwork, improve accuracy in tracking driving hours, and prevent drivers from falsifying logbooks to exceed driving limits. The device is connected to the vehicle’s engine.

Did The Trucker Or Trucking Company Violate Federal Regulations?

Unfortunately, some trucking companies continue to cut corners and ignore trucking regulations in an effort to maximize profits. When these actions result in preventable truck accidents, the companies violating federal regulations can be held accountable through civil litigation. If a truck driver or their employer breaks federal trucking regulations and causes an accident, it may be considered negligence. In such cases, the party at fault can be held financially responsible for a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and emotional distress. The injured party may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, as well as any long-term consequences resulting from the accident.

To determine whether there were violations, a trucking accident attorney will look for common signs of non-compliance, including violations of Hours of Service (HOS) limits, failure to use ELDs, and poor vehicle maintenance. Additionally, the attorney will verify that drivers hold the proper CDL and medical certifications. Unsafe cargo securement or mishandling of hazardous materials are red flags. A history of frequent accidents, as shown in FMCSA records or violations during inspections, can also indicate regulatory breaches. 

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney 

Navigating the complexities of federal trucking regulations can be challenging, which is why having an experienced truck accident attorney on your side is so important. They can figure out whether violations, like driving too many hours or skipping maintenance, played a role in the crash. An experienced truck accident attorney can help uncover critical evidence of negligence and hold trucking companies accountable for any regulatory violations. With their knowledge of federal trucking laws, they can build a strong case to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.