If you’re considering a career in truck driving, you may be wondering about the trucking laws you’ll need to follow on the job. After all, driving a big rig is a serious responsibility!
There are many laws that apply to trucking, and your employer will probably lay these out for you when you first start out. However, if you’re just getting started in the world of trucking, it can be helpful to have a guide of some kind.
That’s why we created this guide. We’ll go through the most important trucking laws and tell you why they matter.
- Truck Driver Hours and Breaks
Many countries have laws requiring drivers to keep logs of how many hours they work and the amount of rest time they get between shifts. Drivers are not allowed to work for more than 11 consecutive hours without taking a break. Drivers must also take a break of at least eight consecutive hours before beginning their next shift.
If service truck drivers are found to be in violation of these laws, they can face serious fines and will be needing truck accident lawyers to avoid license suspension and/or even jail time.
- Truck Load Limitations
Truckers are also required to make sure the cargo they are carrying is securely strapped down and contained, or risk facing a hefty fine. Furthermore, the time a truck driver can stay on the road is greatly reduced from what it used to be to prevent accidents related to fatigue.
By enforcing these laws, truckloads are being properly monitored and managed reducing the chances for an accident resulting from overloaded trailers. These laws are put in place for a reason- for safe driving and to minimize the number of fatalities.
- Accountability and Insurance Requirements
All trucking companies should obtain a USDOT number and file for a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Authorization to ensure their compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Additionally, carriers must get liability insurance that covers their vehicles and cargo and must maintain their insurance at all times. Insurance helps protect other motorists from the losses that can come from an accident with a truck. Lastly, trucking companies must keep a log of their driver activities to ensure that they are compliant with Hours of Service rules and regulations.
- Vehicle Maintenance Regulations
This means that trucking companies and drivers must strictly adhere to the rules and regulations for inspecting, operating and maintaining their fleet of vehicles. Regulations typically include frequent oil and filter changes, regular inspections of tire treads, brakes, and air conditioning/heating systems, and detailed records of service and inspection reports.
When it comes to keeping the roads safe, there are various trucking laws in place to ensure compliance and mitigate potential risks. However, it’s also crucial to consider additional measures that contribute to road safety, such as pre-purchase inspections for commercial vehicles. By opting for a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection from SAB Safety Certificates in Brisbane, you can ensure that the commercial vehicle you’re considering meets safety standards and is in optimal condition. To learn more about the important trucking laws that help keep the roads safe and the benefits of a pre-purchase inspection, you can click here.
By ensuring that all vehicles are running safely, trucking companies and drivers can help keep the roads safe.
- Safety Technology Implementation Standards
Safety Technology Implementation Standards (STIS) are designed to maximize safety by increasing the level of automated trucking technology. These laws require all trucks to come equipped with certain technologies, such as forward collision warning systems and lane departure warning systems.
Trucking Laws for Safety and Protection
Trucking laws help keep the roads safe and protect all drivers from potential hazards. It is important for all drivers to stay up to date on existing and new laws, and ensure they are aware of and are abiding by them. Taking the time to educate yourself and others on these laws can help ensure a safe road for everyone. Learn more today and help promote safe driving on the roads.
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