Texas 18-Wheeler Regulations
Contents
There are more than two million 18-wheelers on our nation’s roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed, and Congress has enacted, many trucking regulations to safeguard motorists. However, to maximize profits, trucking companies often disregard them. Truck drivers may also disregard them to meet unrealistic deadlines imposed by their employers.
After a big rig accident, contact a truck accident attorney who can thoroughly investigate your case and determine whether trucking regulations were broken and if you are entitled to compensation.
Truck Braking System Regulations
Even though the federal government has enacted laws governing truck brakes, faulty brakes are frequently the cause of many 18-wheeler accidents. To prevent brake failure, the federal government requires a truck to:
- Come to a stop from 20 miles per hour at a rate relative to its size
- Employ a braking force at least equal to a certain percentage of its weight
- Meet automatic brake adjustment system requirements if it is equipped with a hydraulic brake system
- Meet the appropriate requirements if it is equipped with air brakes
Driver’s Log
Commercial truck drivers are required to carry and accurately record a driving log. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has formulated trucking regulations that regulate the number of hours a driver is allowed to drive before taking a break, the minimum number of rest periods, and the number of hours he/she can work in seven consecutive days.
Companies must retain a driver’s log record for six months. If a truck accident occurs and the driver’s log shows the hours of service exceeded federal restrictions, trucking companies, and drivers may be held accountable for any injuries caused by this violation.
Drug and Alcohol Screening
Trucking companies must screen potential employees for drug and alcohol use and may give random drug tests to their drivers. If a driver tests positive or refuses a test, he or she may be disciplined and forbidden to operate a semi-truck.
Commercial Driver’s License and Insurance
Federal trucking regulations mandate that drivers of commercial vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds must have a commercial driver’s license.
Other Trucking Regulations
Truck drivers are required to:
- Safely load cargo
- Adhere to traffic regulations
- Inspect mechanical truck systems
- Activate hazard lights within ten minutes of stopping on the highway
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a tractor-trailer accident in Houston, or anywhere in the state of Texas, please get in touch with our truck accident attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation at no cost to you.
