Truck drivers are in a unique position because they need to adhere to trucking laws across state lines. Truck driver legalities can be complicated, but truck drivers need to make sure that they are familiar with all the laws they need to adhere to. In the event that they do run into trouble, they can always hire the services of a truck accident attorney.
Truck drivers face a lot of legal issues. The trucking industry is known for being one of the most dangerous industries in America, but truckers also have to worry about meeting the requirements set by law. Trucking laws are not always easy to understand, which can lead truck drivers into trouble with authorities. Therefore, it pays for truckers to understand the law first before committing to this profession.
Laws for Truckers
Truck drivers are expected to know the law, but it can be hard to keep track of everything. We all know that trucking companies want their employees to follow the law, but they also need them to meet tight schedules and deadlines. This is a compromise that leaves truckers vulnerable to lawsuits from other people who were affected by their negligence.
The government has passed several laws that are designed to protect the rights of truck drivers and other motorists. Truck drivers need to know about them so that they don’t get into trouble with the law.
Below are some laws that concern truckers directly:
Trucking company regulations
All trucking companies should have a truck driver’s manual that outlines the laws truckers are expected to follow. Without these manuals, it will be difficult to prove liability in truck accident lawsuits.
Federal truck driver regulations require truckers to be tested for alcohol or controlled substances before beginning their workday, after any accidents that involve injuries or property damage, when returning from layovers of more than eight hours, and at random times throughout the year.
These regulations are in place to help truckers avoid accidents while driving. Truck drivers also need to obey all the same traffic laws as other motorists, including speed limits and seat belt regulations. These are important because truck fatalities have increased over the years, partially due to truck crashes involving cars that occurred because truckers violated traffic rules.
Trucking companies are responsible for truckers adhering to trucker regulations, but truck drivers are responsible for themselves. For example, truckers should take precautions when driving through work zones and construction sites because they are more likely to be involved in an accident than other motorists. In fact, truck accidents cause more deaths per year than any other type of vehicle crash except car wreaks.
By being responsible for themselves, truckers can avoid trucker lawsuits that can be costly. Truck drivers should adhere to truck driver regulations, but trucking companies are responsible for ensuring this is done.
Commercial driving regulations
Commercial driving regulations pertain to truck drivers who are driving commercial vehicles, which include trucking companies and their employees. These regulations address the number of hours that truckers can drive without rest or sleep time.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) determines these truck driver regulations through various laws, including the Hours-of-Service Rule. According to this rule, truck drivers cannot drive for more than 11 hours or can drive only a maximum of 14 consecutive hours without taking at least ten consecutive, off-duty hours.
The DOT also restricts truckers from driving after 60/70 in a single workweek and limits truckers to an average of 70 working hours per week for 28 days. This way, truckers will be vigilant and cautious as they drive along open roads.
Enforcement, penalties, and violations regulations
The DOT also enforces truck driver regulations through fines and penalties, which can be as much as $11,000 for some violations. The regulations for penalties and violations are also very strict in truck driver laws.
Enforcement officers can stop truckers anytime and anywhere to check their compliance with DOT regulations, making the trucker liable for fines or violation charges if they don’t have legal documents upholding safety standards such as a commercial license, medical card, DOT logbook endorsement, and other credentials that prove their qualifications to drive a truck.
Therefore, truckers must know truck driver regulations and trucker laws before they hit the road. This way, they can avoid legal problems.
Adhering to the Law
The trucking laws that truck drivers must adhere to can get complicated, so truckers need to be aware of all potential dangers and problems they may come across when trucking on highways. Truck drivers should not rely on others for help or assistance because serious legalities are involved with truck driving jobs. Therefore, truckers need to think things through first so that they won’t regret their decisions in the future.
