Essential Legal Guidelines for Commercial Drivers
Commercial trucking generates 940 billion dollars of revenue in the United States. It’s a well-paying job, and there’s a shortage of around 8,000 drivers in the industry. If you’re thinking of getting yourself a trucker’s license, there are a couple of things you should know first.
To start with, the types of CDL you choose to apply for will change the type of test you will have to take. Truck drivers are subjected to a different set of traffic rules than other drivers on the road. The level of liability can also be affected by the materials you’re transporting, so you should be aware of the laws around trucking.
Essential guidelines for commercial drivers
There are a set of guidelines that commercial truck drivers should follow to ensure the safety of their cargo and, more importantly, the lives of others on the road. Here are some of the more common ones.
Licensing
Drivers of commercial trucks are required to have the proper license, especially for their specific type of vehicle. Drivers must meet the specified guidelines in order to qualify for a license. These include being at least 18 years of age to drive within the state and 21 years of age to drive across state borders.
Drivers are also required to get a medical certificate to prove that they are fit to drive a truck. Failing to meet these requirements means that you’re not eligible to drive a truck.
Commercial license aspirants should also know that there are three classes of licenses for truck drivers: A, B, and C, based on the weight of cargo they carry. The regulations and testing for each license class change, as do the laws in individual states.
Traffic violations
It is essential for truck drivers to follow the rules of the road. Failing to do so will result in penalty points on their license. If these points reach a certain limit, it could result in the license being cancelled.
Some of these rules are the same for other drivers on the road, like speeding or following too closely. While other rules are specific to truck drivers, like using the truck for illegal operations.
Truck drivers should not erratically switch lanes, slow down at railway crossings, and break speed limits.
Offenses like human trafficking and driving under the influence can result in the immediate suspension of a license.
Regular Inspections
Truck drivers are required to carry out regular inspections of their vehicles to ensure that they’re in proper functioning order. This includes:
- Carrying out regular inspections before and after each trip
- Checks to see if there’s anything loose or leaky
- Checking the braking systems and lights of the vehicle
There are separate state and federal regulations for this. Following these protocols ensures the safety of the driver and cargo on the road.
Hours of service
There are also clear regulations on hours of service for truck drivers. This is to ensure that the driver remains alert while on the road. If drivers fail to follow these guidelines and end up in an accident, the amount of liability they have in an accident could increase.
Here are some of the regulations drivers are required to follow:
- Drivers must take a 30-minute break if they have driven for 8 hours continuously.
- If a driver has been on duty for 7-8 days, they must take 34 hours or more off before they can go back to work.
- There should also be a properly maintained record of duty log. Failure to do so could result in a penalty.
Conclusion
Trucking can be a lucrative and enjoyable profession for those who love the road; however, it is essential to follow federal and state guidelines while on the job. Failing to do so could result in penalty points, a suspended license, or legal issues in the case of an accident. The laws around trucking can get pretty complicated, so it’s best to consult a lawyer who will clarify any questions you have.
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