Federal Requirements for Truck Drivers

Commercial truck drivers have many more regulations to follow than passenger vehicle drivers. There are several separate federal regulations truck drivers must follow including licensing, operation standards, and vehicle requirements. If you have been involved in a Kentucky truck accident you should be aware of what federal laws apply to commercial truck driver regulations.

Commercial Truck Driver Regulations - Personal

The driver involved in your Kentucky truck accident has many federal regulations that govern their own personal behavior while operating a commercial truck. They are of course held to the same operating standards as passenger vehicle drivers, such as not being allowed to drive while intoxicated. However, commercial truck driver regulations also impose additional requirements on drivers for licensing and operation schedules.

Any driver wishing to operate a commercial truck must have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), which requires additional training and testing to obtain. Certain types of trucks may require additional licensing and commercial truck driver regulations to operate.

Truck drivers must also follow guidelines for operating schedules and driving times to avoid driver fatigue. A fatigued driver is much more likely to cause a Kentucky truck accident, which is the reason behind hour of service regulations. Drivers can be on duty for 14 consecutive hours, but drive no more than 11 hours during that period. All of a truck operator's drive and rest times should be recorded in the logbook and may also be recorded electronically.

Commercial Truck Driver Regulations - Mechanical

Commercial truck drivers and their employing companies must also pay attention to the proper maintenance and safety of their vehicles. Motor carriers are responsible for making sure the trucks in their fleet undergo a yearly inspection of the following truck components:

• brake system;
• coupling devices;
• exhaust system;
• fuel system;
• lighting devices;
• loading equipment;
• steering mechanism;
• suspension;
• frame;
• tires;
• wheels and rims; and
• windshield.

Commercial truck driver regulations require that the driver also perform a cursory inspection of their vehicle before resuming operation. If you are involved in a Kentucky truck accident your attorney can help you review the truck's maintenance records to determine if mechanical failure or vehicle neglect played a role in your truck accident.

Consulting with a Kentucky Truck Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in a Kentucky truck accident you should be aware that there are many federal commercial truck driver regulations that can impact your case. An experienced Kentucky truck accident attorney will be familiar with these regulations and know the right records to obtain and questions to ask when developing your truck accident claim.

When seeking compensation for damages resulting from a truck accident, you'll want the experience and knowledge of a Louisville truck accident attorney at Gray and White Law. Our attorneys will give your case the personal attention it requires and work with our team of experts in re-creating the accident to fight for your case. Contact us today for a free case consultation - 1-800-634-8767.