Important Federal Laws Truck Drivers Must Follow

September 21, 2023 | Truck Accident

Transport trucks and 18-wheelers can be the heaviest and largest vehicles on the road, and thus have the potential to cause the most serious injuries when involved in crashes. Strict state and federal laws exist to help prevent crashes as much as possible. Because truck drivers must comply with both state and federal law, crashes involving trucks can result in complex claims. Below, our Dublin truck accident lawyer explains more about these laws.

Hours of Service Laws

The Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) regulates how long truck drivers can stay on the road, depending on whether the truck is transporting property or passengers.

For truck drivers carrying property:

• Truck drivers can drive for up to 11 hours after they have been off-duty for ten consecutive hours.
• Truck drivers cannot remain on the road for longer than 14 consecutive hours after a ten-hour break.
• Truck drivers must take one 30-minute break for every eight hours they are on the road.
• Truck drivers can remain on the road for 60 hours in seven days, or 70 hours in eight days.

For truck drivers carrying passengers:

• Truck drivers can remain on the road for up to ten hours after being off-duty for eight consecutive hours.
• Drivers cannot be on duty for longer than 15 hours after being off-duty for eight hours.
• Truck drivers can remain on the road for 60 hours in seven days or up to 70 hours in eight days.

Inspection Laws

 Under the Code of Federal Regulations, truck drivers must inspect their vehicle at the end of every on-duty shift and create a report that outlines any danger the truck could pose if it is operated, including defective and broken parts. If a truck driver does not report a defective or broken part and an accident is caused as a result, victims can receive compensation.

Alcohol and Drug Testing

The FMCSA also requires truck drivers to undergo alcohol and drug testing. The substances typically tested for include:

• Cocaine
• Methamphetamines and amphetamines
• Opiates
• Marijuana
• Phencyclidine

Tests are conducted before a truck driver is hired by a trucking company, after any accident the driver is involved in, and randomly throughout the year. Trucking companies that do not comply with these laws can face civil penalties.

Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Dublin Knows the Law

The federal laws that govern truck accidents make these cases far more complicated than other collisions on the road. At Oliver Law Office, our Dublin truck accident lawyer knows the statutes, regulations, and case law that apply to these cases and can advise on how they impact your case. We can also prove violations of the law so you obtain the maximum settlement you deserve. Call or text us now at 614-220-9100 or chat with us online to request a free consultation.

Sources:

fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations

ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-396#396.11

transportation.gov/odapc/part40

Related links:

1. Fatal Semi-Truck Collision in Columbus
2. Vicarious Liability In Truck Crash Claims