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Trucking Laws and Regulations

Changes to federal truck driving regulations could help prevent crashes related to driver fatigue, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The new hours-of-service safety requirements for commercial truck drivers will “reduce by 12 hours the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work within a week,” explained a press release on the U.S. Department of Transportation website. “Under the old rule, truck drivers could work on an average up to 82 hours within a seven-day period.”

The new rule will limit a driver’s work-week to 70 hours. In addition, drivers will be required to take a 30 minute break for every 8 hours behind the wheel.

Truck drivers are required to adhere to these strict regulations established by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the safety of truckers and other drivers. Unfortunately, due to industry demands, sometimes these regulations and laws are overlooked in order to meet delivery deadlines. This can place people’s lives in danger.

If you were hurt in a truck accident, contact our Colorado truck accident lawyers at McDivitt Law Firm. Call us toll free at (877) 846-4878 for a free initial consultation, or click here for an initial consultation form. Tell us exactly how your accident occurred.

What are the regulations?

The FMCSA established rules and regulations for companies, drivers, and vehicles. Examples of these regulations can include:

Company Regulations

  • Levels of financial responsibility for situations
  • Employee safety and health standards
  • State registration requirements
  • Testing for drug and alcohol usage
  • And several other FMCSA Company Regulations


Driver Regulations

  • Driving and parking rules
  • Drug and alcohol usage (including prescription medication)
  • Limits on hours of service
  • License standards
  • Passenger carrier regulations
  • Training requirements
  • And several other FMCSA Driver Regulations


Vehicle Regulations

  • Inspection and maintenance requirements
  • Noise and emission standards
  • Transportation of hazardous material
  • And several other FMCSA Vehicle Regulations


To learn more about safety standards for the trucking industry, visit the FMCSA, or contact the Colorado truck accident lawyers at McDivitt Law Firm.