Dallas, 04/21/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/
Once you pass your driver’s test and get your license, the only road rules you have to think about are the traffic laws that govern all regular motorists.
For truckers, however, the rules are more complicated. The safety of everyone on the road depends on truck drivers complying with the federal and state regulations that govern commercial vehicles, carriers, and operators.
Special Licensing
Truck operators must pass both a knowledge test and a skills test to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL). Once an individual has a CDL, they are also subject to enhanced penalties if they violate traffic laws and drinking and driving laws. Truckers who drive specific types of trucks, such as trucks with double or triple trailers, must also obtain special endorsements before they’re allowed to drive these special vehicles.
Hours-of-Service
Set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), federal hours-of-service rules apply to all cargo-carrying commercial trucks in the U.S. regardless of which state they’re driving in. Under the hours-of-service rule, truckers are permitted to drive up to 11 consecutive hours after at least 10 consecutive off-duty hours. Truckers must also log their hours, and a new rule requires them to switch to electronic logbooks starting December 18, 2017.
Weight and Length Standards
Semi-trucks are subject to weight limits that depend on whether they are a single axle truck or a tandem axle truck. On any interstate highway, the maximum gross vehicle weight for any truck is 80,000 pounds. There are also maximum length standards for tractor-trailers.
Physical Exams
Just like airline pilots, truck drivers must also undergo a physical exam at least once every 24 months. Per FMCSA rules, the exam must be conducted by an authorized examiner. The exam checks for high blood pressure, impaired vision, respiratory conditions, alcohol or drug use, and several other basic health problems that could potentially cause a driver to become impaired while driving.
Texas truck accident lawyer Amy Witherite explains, “Driving a semi-truck is a big responsibility. These are massive vehicles that can cause a serious amount of damage in a crash. These federal rules are in place to ensure that everyone stays as safe as possible on the road.”
If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait to speak to an attorney. Call an experienced Texas truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service
- https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/Freight/sw/overview/index.htm
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/dot-medical-exam-and-commercial-motor-vehicle-certification
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/electronic-logging-devices
Media Contact:
Lucy Tiseo
1800 Truck Wreck ® – Eberstein & Witherite, LLP
Phone: 800-878-2597
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source: http://www.1800truckwreck.com/laws-that-truckers-have-to-follow-html.html
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