What Regulations Must Truck Drivers Abide By? What Happens if There Is a Violation?
What Regulations Must Truck Drivers Abide By? What Happens if There Is a Violation?The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the USA enforces specific regulations to ensure the safe operation of commercial trucks. These rules stem from compliance reviews, complaints, investigations, roadside inspections, audits of trucking terminals, and more. Violations of these regulations can lead to hefty fines for truck drivers and trucking companies, as they pose significant risks of accidents and injuries.
Every trucking company in San Diego must strictly adhere to state and federal laws to minimize the likelihood of catastrophic incidents. These regulations cover aspects such as driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, hours of service, and cargo securement, all aimed at promoting road safety.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck-related accident, consulting a personal injury attorney can provide valuable guidance on understanding your rights and pursuing compensation for damages caused by non-compliance with trucking laws.
What are the FMCSA regulations for commercial trucks?
Let’s take a look at the existing regulations:
- Qualification
A driver must meet certain standards to operate a semi-truck. They must be 21 years old and have a valid commercial driver’s licence. They should also speak and understand conversational English.
- Operating commercial vehicle
The truck driver must follow the rules and prohibition of alcohol and drug use. They also have to undergo periodic physical examinations and other physical requirements.
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance
Trucking companies must ensure the operation of the vehicle’s accessories, parts, and systems. They are responsible for any wear and tear or repair work required for the car to run on highways.
- Minimum insurance coverage
Every trucking company must ensure that it is liable to pay compensation in case of accidents. Trucking companies have a higher amount of liability insurance than drivers of passenger cars.
What are the violations of the FMCSA truck driver rule?
You need to be aware of the violations so that you can handle the situation better:
- Log details not correct
Every driver operating a commercial motor vehicle should have a proper record of their duty status so that the trucking company can easily track them. Any kind of inaccurate log is subjected to violations.
- Not maintaining driving hours
The FMCSA hours of service regulation has put a limit on driving hours, so driving beyond the 8-hour limit since the end of the last duty or sleeper period of at least 30 minutes is a violation. These rules are meant to reduce the possibility of driver fatigue.
- A commercial driver should also be able to read and speak English well and converse with the general public. The speed limit should be 6 to 10 miles per hour, and the drivers should also wear seat belts. However, if any truck accidents occur, truck accident lawyers must be consulted.
What are the vehicle violations of FMCSA?
The FMCSA has particular requirements for valid trucking. Not complying with any of these is subject to vehicle violations, such as the truck lacking operable lamps, the brakes being out of adjustment, and the tyre tread depth being less than 2/32 of an inch. Failure to properly inspect, maintain, and repair the parts and accessories or to control oil and grease leakage are violations of FMCSA. In case of speeding or breaking hours of service regulations, penalties are imposed on the driver when the truck is seized, and the driver no longer has driving rights.
Final words
If any accident occurs due to the violation of rules and regulations leading to negligence of the truck driver and causing an accident, it is subject to insurance compensation. With the help of a professional attorney, you can claim a higher amount if it can be proved that the trucking company has a patterned violation that has been going on for a long time. Also, faulty vehicle maintenance would support your compensation claim.