Federal trucking laws regulate the operations of commercial trucks in the United States. Their goal is to ensure safety on the road. Since crashes involving trucks are often severe, they can lead to significant injuries and fatal outcomes.
If the truck driver or their employer fails to follow federal trucking laws, they demonstrate negligence. This becomes the basis for a personal injury lawsuit. If you were hurt in a truck collision, understanding how federal trucking laws in Baton Rouge work can help you plan your next steps.
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the hours of service for truck drivers. It limits the number of hours the driver can stay behind the wheel of a truck in a day and a week. The hours of service (HOS) regulation helps prevent overworking and fatigue that could lead to crashes.
This part of Baton Rouge federal trucking laws includes:
- Truck drivers can work up to 11 hours after they rest for at least 10 hours in a row
- A truck driver cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour after starting to work following at least 10 consecutive hours of rest
- In bad driving conditions, the above two limits can be increased by two hours
- Drivers must take a break that lasts at least 30 minutes after driving for eight hours since their last break
- Truck drivers must be off duty for at least 34 hours in a row after driving for 60 hours within seven days or 70 hours within eight days
- Truck drivers have to spend at least seven consecutive hours of their off-duty time in the sleeper berth
It is up to both the driver and the trucking company to adhere to the HOS regulations.
Other Regulations for the Trucking Industry
Besides HOS, other local and federal trucking laws that impact Baton Rouge drivers include:
Licensing
Before the driver can sit behind the wheel of the truck, they must undergo relevant training and receive a commercial driver’s license (CDL). These licenses have different categories and permit the transportation of different cargo. Failing to get the right license could cause a dangerous situation on the road.
Carrier Safety Rating
The FMSCA assigns a safety rating to each carrier according to their safety records. Such a rating can have an impact on the way the carrier operates. A low rating could lead to an out-of-service order. If the carrier does not follow the order and causes an accident, they are demonstrating negligence.
Safety Fitness
The FMSCA evaluates on-road performance data, accident history, and other factors to determine whether the driver can continue operations on the road. If they do not find the driver competent, interventions may be arranged.
Anti-Coercion Rule
The anti-coercion rule makes it illegal for carriers, shippers, and other industry players to coerce the driver to operate in violation of HOS and other FMSCA regulations. If these parties break the rule, they can be held responsible for any related outcome.
Discuss Federal Trucking Laws With a Baton Rouge Attorney
If you were hurt in a truck accident, you can seek compensation based on the at-fault party’s negligent actions. Truckers and their employer are responsible for the consequences when they break federal trucking laws. Proving their fault requires a comprehensive legal approach.
At Tomeny | Best, we have decades of collective experience helping truck accident victims get the money they deserve. Call us to schedule a free consultation today to learn more about federal trucking laws in Baton Rouge and how they could impact your claim for compensation.
