Basic Regulations for Commercial Vehicles

Commercial drivers are held to the same basic rules and standards as regular drivers, but they also have many additional regulations to follow when driving a commercial vehicle. Commercial drivers have to adhere to the rules of the road for speed limits, traffic signals, seat belt use, and restrictions on driving while intoxicated.

A large part of commercial vehicle regulations is the inspection requirements for the vehicle and its cargo. Commercial drivers are responsible to maintain that their vehicle is in good operating condition, from basic vehicle parts to the specialty equipment for their commercial use.

Cargo inspection and loading is also a main focus of commercial vehicle regulations. A commercial driver must be licensed to carry certain types of cargo, especially when it is hazardous materials. They are responsible for inspecting their cargo before leaving the transport facility and then again after a stop or if an incident occurs that would possibly cause a shift in payload.

Almost all large commercial vehicles are required to slow or come to a stop at railroad tracks to prevent cargo shifts and allow adequate time to cross. Commercial vehicles are not allowed to carry additional passengers unless they are designed for that purpose or special circumstances necessitate it. There are also additional safety features all commercial vehicles must have to comply with commercial vehicle regulations, such as additional mirrors and lighting.

When you have been involved in an accident involving a commercial vehicle it's important to know the basic regulations for driving commercial vehicles and how they may impact your claim. Our article library has the basic information, but for an experienced understanding of the regulations, you should have your case examined by a Kentucky truck accident attorney. 

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a truck accident in Kentucky, the attorneys at Gray and White Law are here to help. We have successfully handled many Kentucky truck accident and wrongful death cases. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation of your case - 1-800-634-8767.