Basic Trucking Laws

Big rigs and semi trucks are an important part of the United States economy because these vehicles transport thousands of pounds of clothing, food, and other items from manufacturers to retailers all across the country. As long as there are thousands of trucks on the roads, the country’s economy is somewhat stable. As important as these trucks are to the country’s economy, they are just as dangerous to other motorists because of their size. Trucks are 40 times heavier than passenger cars and are responsible for 5,000 deaths and 130,000 injuries per year on the roads of America.

Individual Trucking Laws

Each state in the country has its own set of trucking laws that trucking companies in that state have to follow when they operate their vehicles. These companies must also follow the laws set forth by other states that their trucks travel through, even if they are located in a certain state. Aside from individual state laws, the federal government has also set forth federal truck laws to protect truck drivers, trucking companies, and other motorists from unsafe conditions. Along with the 50 states, the District of Columbia also has its own trucking laws to go along with the federal laws handed down by the federal government.

Federal Trucking Laws

The 11 most important federal trucking laws are as follows:

1. Commercial Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program
2. Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing
3. Commercial Driver’s License Standard; Requirements and Penalties
4. Qualifications of Drivers
5. Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles
6. Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation
7. Hours of Service of Drivers
8. Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance
9. Transportation of Hazardous Materials; Driving and Parking Rules
10. Transportation of Migrant Workers
11. Employee Safety and Health Standards

The Commercial Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program

This law was created to make sure that individual states develop and implement programs that improve motor carrier, CMV, and driver safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also establishes a safer and much more efficient transportation system.

Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing

This law requires all drivers to have a commercial driver’s license and to be tested, if they drive a vehicle:

• Weighing more than 26,000 pounds including a towed unit weighing more than 10,000 pounds,
• Having a gross vehicle rating of more than 26,000 pounds,
• Designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or
• Used to transport hazardous materials requiring the vehicle to be placarded