Truck Laws and Regulations

Truck drivers are bound under numerous local, state, and federal laws that regulate the ways in which they operate their massive - and often dangerous - vehicles. Here's what you need to know about some important truck laws and regulations:

Both the equipment itself and the driver are regulated under a series of laws. Due to the complexities of interstate commerce, federal laws have been established that apply from state to state. Agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation oversee and regulate truck traffic that crosses state lines. One of the most important federal laws is the one requiring that any truck crossing state lines carry at least $750,000 in insurance coverage; this sum may be increased with the existence of a hazardous cargo.

Trucking laws vary from state to state, so be sure to check with the regulatory agency in your state for information on licensing and operating requirements. Many states meet or exceed federal guidelines concerning insurance, hours driven, and standards of care. These extensive and often confusing laws can vary depending on where the trucker resides or drives.

One important standard in trucking regulation is the requirement of a log book on board the truck. The truck driver is required to log his or her hours driven, where and when the load was picked up and returned, and the route taken while working. These logs force truckers to exhibit accountability as to hours and can help prevent driver fatigue. They can also be of great assistance in an investigation after a truck accident. Perhaps more importantly, federal law allows truck logs to be destroyed after only six months, which means that time is of the essence if you're considering filing a truck accident lawsuit.

PageCagle understands the ins and outs of truck accident laws and regulations and can help you formulate a sound legal strategy designed to help you fight and win your case in court. We're devoted to personal injury victims and have a significant amount of experience with truck accident cases. Let PageCagle fight for you! Contact us today for more information and a free and confidential telephone consultation.

Because of the serious nature of truck accidents and the destruction of evidence that goes on, John Page can be reached toll free, 24 hours a day at 1-866-650-6363 or by email at john@pagecagle.com.

Regulations

• Truck Size and Weight, Route Designations - Length, Width and Weight Limitations


• Drug and Alcohol Regulations


• Compliance with Interstate Motor Carrier Noise Emission Standards


• Commercial Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program


• Compatibility of State Laws and Regulations Affecting Interstate Motor Carrier Operations


• Interpretations and Routing Regulations


• Fees for Motor Carrier Registration and Insurance


• Rules Governing Applications for Operating Authority


• Designation of Process Agents by Motor Carriers and Brokers


• Standards for Registration with States


• Applications for Certificates of Registration by Foreign Motor Carriers and Foreign Motor Private Carriers


• Principles and Practices for the Investigation and Voluntary Disposition of Loss and Damage Claims and Processing Salvage


• Brokers of Property


• Exemptions, Commercial Zones, and Terminal Areas


• Receipts and Bills


• Passenger Carrier Regulations


• Transportation of Household Goods in Interstate Commerce; Consumer Protection Regulations


• Lease and Interchange of Vehicles


• Payment of Transportation Charges


• Procedures Governing the Processing, Investigation, and Disposition of Over-Charge, Duplicate Payment, or Overcollection Claims


• Preservation of Records


• Special Training Requirements


• Waivers, Exemptions, And Pilot Programs


• Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing


• Commercial Driver's License Standards; Requirements and Penalties


• State Compliance with Commercial Driver's License Program


• Safety Fitness Procedures


• Rules of Practice for Motor Carrier, Broker, Freight Forwarder, and Hazardous Materials Proceedings


• Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers


• Cooperative Agreements with States


• Rulemaking Procedures - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations


• General


• Qualifications of Drivers and Longer Combination Vehicle (LCV) Driver Instructors


• Driving of Motor Vehicles


• Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation


• Hours of Service of Drivers


• Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance


• Transportation of Hazardous Materials; Driving and Parking Rules


• Transportation of Migrant Workers


• Employee Safety and Health Standards


• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards


• Special Agents


• Commercial Zones


• Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards

Types of Truck Accidents Truck Accident Brain Injury Truck Accidents Spine Injury Truck Accident Wrongful Death Truck Accident Causes Truck Laws More Practice Areas

1232 Washington Avenue,
Suite 220
St. Louis, Missouri 63103
P: (314) 322-8515
Toll Free: (866) 650-6363
john@pagecagle.com