Commercial trucks are a constant presence on Georgia’s highways. With major freight corridors running through the state, including I-75 and I-85, thousands of large trucks pass through every day. With the size and weight of these vehicles in mind, the potential for serious damage in a truck accident is much higher than it would be in a typical car accident.
To reduce that risk, truck drivers and trucking companies must follow a layered set of rules that come from both the federal government and the State of Georgia. When those rules are broken, the consequences can be deadly.
Learning about what these regulations require is important for anyone who shares the road with commercial vehicles, most prominently for anyone who has been injured in a crash. Below, we’ll break down the key rules that apply.
Federal Regulations Under the FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial trucking across the country. Trucks involved in interstate commerce must comply with FMCSA rules, and Georgia applies many federal safety standards to commercial vehicles operating within the state.
Commercial Driver’s License Requirements
Federal regulations require drivers of certain commercial vehicles to hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). CDL requirements can depend on factors such as the vehicle’s weight, number of passengers, and whether the driver transports hazardous materials.
Drivers may also need special endorsements based on the type of vehicle they operate or cargo they carry.
Medical Requirements for Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers subject to federal medical requirements generally must meet Department of Transportation health standards. A medical examination can identify conditions that may affect a driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
Medical certificates are generally valid for up to two years, although some drivers may need more frequent examinations.
Cellphone and Texting Restrictions
The FMCSA restricts texting and handheld cellphone use while operating a commercial motor vehicle. Drivers cannot manually enter or read text messages while driving.
Federal rules also limit how drivers can make calls. These restrictions are intended to reduce distractions that could lead to serious truck accidents.
Hours of Service Requirements
Fatigue can contribute to serious truck accidents, and FMCSA hours of service (HOS) regulations are designed to limit how long commercial drivers can remain behind the wheel. For property-carrying drivers, these rules generally cap how long a driver can drive and remain on duty before taking required rest.
Per the current HOS rules, a truck driver may drive for up to 11 hours after completing 10 consecutive hours off duty. They also cannot drive for more than 14 hours after they start their shift. After 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption, covered property-carrying drivers generally must take a 30-minute break before driving again.
On top of that, drivers are limited to 60 hours on duty over 7 consecutive days or 70 hours over 8 consecutive days. Trucking companies are required to keep records that show their drivers are following these limits.
Georgia-Specific Trucking Laws
While Georgia follows federal regulations for most commercial vehicles, the state also has its own rules that apply alongside federal standards.
Truck Weight Limits
Under O.C.G.A. § 32-6-26, Georgia limits the weight of commercial vehicles traveling on state highways. Different limits can apply to county roads, and trucks exceeding applicable limits may need a special permit.
Truck Size Limits
Georgia law also regulates the height, width, and length of commercial vehicles. O.C.G.A. §§ 32-6-22 and 32-6-23 establish limits intended to keep oversized vehicles from creating unnecessary risks on public roads.
Cargo Securement Requirements
Under O.C.G.A. § 32-6-21, truck loads must be properly covered or secured to prevent cargo from shifting, spilling, or falling during transport. Failure to secure a load can create serious hazards for nearby motorists.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Commercial drivers in Georgia face stricter substance use rules than the average motorist. While most drivers can be charged with DUI at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08, the threshold for a commercial driver is just 0.04.
Trucking companies must drug test their drivers before they start working. Post-crash drug testing is also mandatory in certain situations. Beyond that, employers must conduct random testing on a set percentage of their drivers throughout the year. A failed test can result in the immediate loss of driving privileges.
Contact the Georgia Truck Accident Attorneys at Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys for Help Today
State and federal trucking regulations are designed to reduce the risk of serious commercial vehicle accidents. When a driver or trucking company violates these rules, evidence of the violation may become important when determining how a crash happened and who may be responsible.
Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys can investigate your accident, review potential safety violations, and help you pursue compensation from those responsible. Contact our Georgia truck accident attorneys at (912) 491-4845 today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
