The trucking industry is regulated at both the federal and state levels. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration governs interstate trucking, meaning that most commercial vehicles must abide by the FMCSA regulations. Day trucking in the Elgin area is governed by Illinois.
Like every federal agency, the FMCSA has a regulation process for its regulatory standards. It is crucial to stay up to date on the laws, as violations can confer civil liability onto truckers and their employers in the event of a traffic accident. To learn about trucking regulations and laws in Elgin, reach out to the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help answer any questions you may have.
Federal Trucking Laws and Industry Standards
Federal trucking laws are pretty close to the industry standards and regulations. Over the years, trucking companies have recognized the fact that they have to rigorously comply with these regulations. If they fail to comply, they may get pulled over by a police officer.
Police officers can examine the vehicle to ensure that they are in compliance with the trucking regulations. This may involve weighing the truck at one of many weigh stations in the Elgin area. The laws and industry standards for trucking are closely related, as failure to comply with federal and local regulations can be costly for trucking companies.
Trucking Violations Can Cause Accidents
Additionally, trucking violations create an unsafe environment for everyone on the road. For instance, a truck that is over the federal weight limit may have a more difficult time stopping and turning, leading to rear-endings or side-impact accidents.
In this scenario, an injured victim should work with an experienced Elgin attorney to see if any regulation violations contributed to the truck collision. A failure to comply with the law can lead to civil liability for a trucker and trucking company in the event of an accident.
FMCSA Trucking Laws for Elgin Drivers
As an experienced attorney at our firm could explain, there are many federal regulations set by the FMCSA that truckers in Elgin and across the nation must abide by. For instance, under the federal law, a driver must be 21 years of age or older. Truckers are also subjected to regular alcohol and drug testing under federal regulations, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing.
Trucker Work Hours Limitations
Commercial truck drivers also have limitations on their work hours. Specifically, they can operate 11 hours each day only after they have had 10 consecutive hours off. Additionally, they cannot drive over 14 hours in a row after coming off duty. Truckers may not operate after driving 60 hours in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days. They must also take a 30-minute break during their first eight hours of driving.
FMCSA Vehicle Regulations
According to the Federal Code, trucks cannot weight more than 80,000 pounds. The federal rules also provide that the trucks must be maintained, and that there must be systematic inspections and repairs. Trucking companies are required to keep records of all these maintenances.
Insurance Coverage Rules for Trucking Companies
There are two levels of regulation for trucking company insurance coverage. Illinois has a general rule that all motor vehicles drivers must have coverage for:
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per accident
- $20,000 in property damage
The federal rules for interstate trucking depend on what the vehicle is carrying, as well as various other factors. However, the general minimum liability limit is $750,000. If the truck is carrying hazardous waste, it is required to one million to five million dollars in coverage, depending on the specific substance and amount.
Discuss Trucking Regulations and Laws with an Elgin Attorney
If you were recently in a collision with a commercial truck, you may wish to know more about trucking regulations to determine whether any violations contributed to your crash. At the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd., our skilled legal team has handled countless trucking accident claims and could help you better understand the laws involved in these types of cases. To learn more about trucking regulations and laws in Elgin, reach out to our firm and schedule a consultation today.