- Truck Accident
The trucking industry plays a vital role in Georgia’s economy. However, commercial trucks pose significant risks on the road. Truck companies must comply with state laws and federal regulations. Georgia truck regulations are designed to protect everyone on the road.
However, some truck companies put profits over safety. If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our team at Wade Law will carefully gather evidence of safety violations. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Federal and Georgia Trucking Regulations
Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow Georgia truck laws and federal regulations. Our truck accident attorneys will collect driver logs, maintenance records, and other evidence to hold negligent truck companies and drivers accountable.
Truck Driver Licensing and Qualifications
In Georgia, operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) requires a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). To obtain a CDL in Georgia, drivers must pass a vision test, written knowledge exams, and skills tests specific to the vehicle class. Drivers must also have a clean driving record and be able to read and understand English.
Truck drivers must meet specific medical standards. Regular medical examinations are required to maintain this qualification. Drivers between 18 and 21 may apply for a CDL after getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) regulations limit how long a truck driver can stay on the road without rest. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure drivers get adequate rest and stay alert.
- 11-hour limit: Truckers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-hour driving limit: A driver cannot drive more than the 14th consecutive hours after coming on duty, following ten consecutive hours off duty.
- Rest Breaks: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.
- Weekly On-Duty Limits: Drivers cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days.
These federal regulations are crucial in preventing accidents and are strictly monitored through mandatory logbooks and electronic logging devices. Violations can result in severe penalties for both drivers and their employers.
Inspections and Truck Maintenance in Georgia
Regular vehicle inspections and proper maintenance are fundamental in Georgia trucking regulations.
The FMCSA requires trucking companies to perform regular inspections and repairs. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before each journey and post-trip inspections at the end of each day.
Key areas of focus during these inspections are:
- Brake Systems: Ensuring brakes are functioning correctly to prevent failures.
- Tires: Checking for adequate tread depth and proper inflation.
- Lighting Devices: Confirming all lights and reflectors are operational.
- Steering Mechanisms: Ensuring responsive and accurate steering control.
- Coupling Devices: Verifying secure connections between tractor and trailer units.
Georgia’s Department of Public Safety, through its Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD), conducts roadside inspections. These surprise checks ensure that vehicles and drivers meet safety standards while on the road.
Truck companies must maintain detailed records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities. A truck accident lawyer may use these records as evidence of trucking company negligence after a crash caused by mechanical failure.
Weight and Size Limitations
Georgia trucking regulations enforce strict weight and size limits on commercial vehicles. These limitations help prevent excessive wear on roads and reduce the risk of accidents caused by overweight or oversized trucks. The general limits are:
- Gross Vehicle Weight: The maximum allowable weight is typically 80,000 pounds, including cargo.
- Axle Weight: The weight on individual axles is restricted to prevent pavement damage.
- Height and Width: Vehicles must not exceed specific height and width dimensions to ensure they can safely pass under bridges and through tunnels.
Oversized or overweight loads require special permits and may be subject to restrictions on travel times and routes.
Securing Cargo
Proper loading and securing truck cargo is vital to prevent shifting or spillage that could lead to accidents. Georgia trucking regulations require all cargo to be firmly immobilized or secured on or within a vehicle. This may include using:
- Tie-Downs: Straps, chains, or ropes that are strong enough to secure the load.
- Blocking and Bracing: Methods to prevent movement of cargo within the trailer.
- Specialized Equipment: Such as tarps for loose materials or specific restraints for hazardous materials.
Improperly secured cargo can cause load shifts, making the vehicle unstable and increasing the likelihood of rollovers or loss of control.
Truck Insurance Requirements
Given the severity of truck accidents, Georgia law requires that trucking companies carry substantial insurance coverage.
If commercial trucks only operate within Georgia, the minimum liability insurance limits are:
- $100,000 for injury or death per person
- $300,000 for injury or death per accident
- $50,000 for property damage per accident
Trucks transporting hazardous materials or operating across state lines need higher insurance coverage. Federal regulations require between $750,000 and $5 million for trucks involved in interstate commerce, depending on the truck’s size and the type of cargo.
Alcohol and Drug Testing for Truck Drivers in Georgia
Georgia and federal law require drug and alcohol testing for commercial truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees drug and alcohol testing requirements, and trucking companies operating in Georgia must comply with these rules.
If a truck driver tests positive for drugs or alcohol, they must complete a substance abuse program and pass a return-to-duty test before resuming work.
Truck companies should perform randing alcohol and drug testing. They should also test for alcohol and drugs:
- Before hiring a driver
- After an accident
- If there is a reasonable suspicion of drunk or drugged driving
Trucking companies that fail to enforce drug and alcohol testing regulations can face severe penalties, including fines and loss of operating licenses.
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial drivers is significantly lower than that for regular motorists. While the standard BAC limit for most drivers in Georgia is 0.08%, commercial truck drivers are considered legally impaired if their BAC is 0.04% or higher.
Contact Wade Law for a Free Consultation
Georgia trucking regulations and federal trucking laws are essential for the safety of trucking operations in the state. From driver qualifications and hours of service to vehicle maintenance and cargo security, these regulations touch on every aspect of the trucking industry. Unfortunately, truck drivers and trucking companies sometimes break these rules.
If you have been hurt in a truck accident, you don’t have the face the aftermath alone. Our team at Wade Law is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
