Federal Motor Safety Regulations For Truck Drivers

The trucking industry is the backbone of American commerce. Nearly every product we use—groceries, clothing, electronics—has spent time on a truck. In fact, over 11 million semi-trucks are registered across the United States, and many of them pass through New Jersey daily.

But with that heavy traffic comes a serious risk. When a commercial truck is involved in a crash, the outcome can be devastating. These aren’t minor fender benders—these are life-altering events with catastrophic consequences for the people in smaller vehicles.

That’s why trucking is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the country. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was created to enforce strict safety rules for truck drivers, trucking companies, and vehicle maintenance.

Still, even with these rules, accidents happen—often because those rules are ignored. And when they are, victims deserve answers, accountability, and compensation.

The legal process can get complicated if you’ve been injured in a trucking accident. You’re not just up against a driver—you’re up against a company, their insurance carrier, and a maze of federal regulations. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced truck accident attorney in Cherry Hill in your corner.

At Rosengard Law Group, we know the FMCSA regulations inside and out—and we know how to use violations of those rules to prove liability and win big for our clients.

Schedule your free consultation today and let’s discuss how we can hold negligent trucking companies accountable and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Hours of Service

For many years, truck drivers were pushed to the brink of exhaustion because there were no real laws guiding the hours that they could work. Shipping companies often place very tight deadlines on these drivers, causing them to drive too many hours each day. The result was many accidents caused by sleepy drivers.

New FMCSA guidelines state that commercial drivers must not exceed 16 hours of drive time in any 24 hours. They must also take at least a 30-minute break between eight-hour shifts and have at least eight hours of downtime between any two 16-hour shifts.

These guidelines often change, and some states have also implemented more restrictions on the total number of hours a driver can operate their vehicle in any seven-day period. Drivers must keep a log of the hours that they run their vehicles and when they are not driving.

Hand Held Devices

Distracted driving is a problem for anyone operating a vehicle. However, the outcome can be significantly worse for someone operating a large commercial vehicle.

Because distracted driving can cause accidents, CDL holders cannot use handheld devices while operating their vehicles. They are also forbidden from using any device that requires more than one push of a button to operate.

Proper Licensing Is Required to Operate A Commercial Vehicle

A commercial driving license (CDL) is required to operate any vehicle weighing in excess of 10,000 pounds, transporting hazardous material, or carrying more than 16 people. To obtain a CDL, you must pass a written exam and a driving test. Most CDL licenses must be renewed every four years. The driver will also have to take an eye exam at the renewal.

A CDL can be revoked for many reasons. Some of these reasons include operating the vehicle while under the influence, driving while drowsy (nodding off to sleep), and failing to make vehicle inspections as stated in the FMCSA guidelines.

Operating Under The Influence

Commercial vehicle drivers are strictly prohibited from using any drugs or alcohol while operating their vehicles. There is a zero-tolerance policy for CDL holders. All CDL holders must take a drug test prior to being issued a license and are subject to random testing. Any driver involved in an accident will automatically be required to take a drug and alcohol test.

Additional Guidelines

The FMCSA has several other regulations that CDL holders must abide by to operate their vehicles safely. These include guidelines on securing cargo, vehicle maintenance, and the transporting of hazardous materials. All of these guidelines must be followed for the safety of the driver as well as others on the roads.

Injured in Truck Accident? Consult with an Attorney Now!

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