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Laws and Regulations

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)

Sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR49) (known as FMCSR or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations) are guidelines for minimum standard care for safe truck operation. The FMCSR cover topics such as Equipment Inspection and Maintenance, Licensing and Knowledge Requirements of Truck Drivers, Safe Driving Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicles, Hours of Service Requirements, etc. 
 
Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Manual is yet another important document that defines the minimum standard of care for the safe operation of trucks. The aim of the CDL Manual is to impart the knowledge required by the FMCSR to the truck drivers. The FMCSR standards apply to trucks that require a CDL to drive ("Heavy Duty" Class 7 and Class 8 trucks). In addition to, The FMCSR applies both the CDL and the drug test requirement to all vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) in excess of 10,000 pounds and to vehicles pulling trailers with a combined GVWR in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Code of Federal Regulations

TITLE 49 -TRANSPORTATION

SUBTITLE B--OTHER REGULATIONS RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION

Chapter III--federal motor carrier safety administration, department of transportation

Subchapter B--federal motor carrier safety regulations

part 397--transportation of hazardous materials; driving and parking rules

§ 397.2 Compliance with Federal motor carrier safety regulations

A motor carrier or other person to whom this part is applicable must comply with the rules in parts 390 through 397, inclusive, of this subchapter when he/she is transporting hazardous materials by a motor vehicle which must be marked or placarded in accordance with §177.823 of this title.


[37 FR 18080, Sept. 7, 1972]

§ 397.3 State and local laws, ordinances, and regulations

Every motor vehicle containing hazardous materials must be driven and parked in compliance with the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is being operated, unless they are at variance with specific regulations of the Department of Transportation which are applicable to the operation of that vehicle and which impose a more stringent obligation or restraint.


§ 397.5 Attendance and surveillance of motor vehicles

  1. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a motor vehicle which contains a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (explosive) material must be attended at all times by its driver or a qualified representative of the motor carrier that operates it.
  2. The rules in paragraph (a) of this section do not apply to a motor vehicle which contains Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material if all the following conditions exist-

    1. The vehicle is located on the property of a motor carrier, on the property of a shipper or consignee of the explosives, in a safe haven, or, in the case of a vehicle containing 50 pounds or less of a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material, on a construction or survey site; and
    2. The lawful bailee of the explosives is aware of the nature of the explosives the vehicle contains and has been instructed in the procedures which must be followed in emergencies; and
    3. The vehicle is within the bailee's unobstructed field of view or is located in a safe haven.
  3. A motor vehicle which contains hazardous materials other than Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3, materials, and which is located on a public street or highway, or the shoulder of a public highway, must be attended by its driver. However, the vehicle need not be attended while its driver is performing duties which are incident and necessary to the driver's duties as the operator of the vehicle.
  4. For purposes of this section-

    1. A motor vehicle is attended when the person in charge of the vehicle is on the vehicle, awake, and not in a sleeper berth, or is within 100 feet of the vehicle and has it within his/her unobstructed field of view.
    2. A qualified representative of a motor carrier is a person who-

      1. Has been designated by the carrier to attend the vehicle;
      2. Is aware of the nature of the hazardous materials contained in the vehicle he/she attends;
      3. Has been instructed in the procedures he/she must follow in emergencies; and
      4. Is authorized to move the vehicle and has the means and ability to do so.
    3. A safe haven in an area specifically approved in writing by local, State, or Federal governmental authorities for the parking of unattended vehicles containing Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials.
  5. The rules in this section do not relieve the driver from any obligation imposed by law relating to the placing of warning devices when a motor vehicle is stopped on a public street or highway. [59 FR 63925, Dec. 12, 1994]

§ 397.15 Fueling
When a motor vehicle which contains hazardous materials is being fueled-

  1. Its engine must not be operating; and
  2. A person must be in control of the fueling process at the point where the fuel tank is filled.

§ 397.17 Tires

  1. A driver must examine each tire on a motor vehicle at the beginning of each trip and each time the vehicle is parked
  2. If, as the result of an examination pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, or otherwise, a tire if found to be flat, leaking, or improperly inflated, the driver must cause the tire to be repaired, replaced, or properly inflated before the vehicle is driven. However, the vehicle may be driven to the nearest safe place to perform the required repair, replacement, or inflation.
  3. If, as the result of an examination pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, or otherwise, a tire is found to be overheated, the driver shall immediately cause the overheated tire to be removed and placed at a safe distance from the vehicle. The driver shall not operate the vehicle until the cause of the overheating is corrected.
  4. Compliance with the rules in this section does not relieve a driver from the duty to comply with the rules in §§397.5 and 397.7.

§ 397.19 Instructions and documents

  1. A motor carrier that transports Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (explosive) materials must furnish the driver of each motor vehicle in which the explosives are transported with the following documents:

    1. A copy of the rules in this part;
    2. [Reserved]
    3. A document containing instructions on procedures to be followed in the event of accident or delay. The documents must include the names and telephone numbers of persons (including representatives of carriers or shippers) to be contracted, the nature of the explosives being transported, and the precautions to be taken in emergencies such as fires, accidents, or leakages.
  2. A driver who receives documents in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section must sign a receipt for them. The motor carrier shall maintain the receipt for a period of one year from the date of signature.
  3. A driver of a motor vehicle which contains Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials must be in possession of, be familiar with, and be in compliance with

    1. The documents specified in paragraph (a) of this section;
    2. The documents specified in §177.817 of this title; and
    3. The written route plan specified in §397.67.

[59 FR 63925, Dec. 12, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 33280, June 18, 1998]

Subpart B [Reserved]

Subpart C-Routing of Non-Radioactive Hazardous Materials

Source: 59 FR 51830, Oct. 12, 1994, unless otherwise noted.

§ 397.61 Purpose and scope

This subpart contains routing requirements and procedures that States and Indian tribes are required to follow if they establish, maintain, or enforce routing designations over which a non-radioactive hazardous material (NRHM) in a quantity which requires placarding may or may not be transported by a motor vehicle. It also provides regulations for motor carriers transporting placarded or marked NRHM and procedures for dispute resolutions regarding NRHM routing designations.


§ 397.63 Applicability

The provisions of this subpart apply to any State or Indian tribe that establishes, maintains, or enforces any routing designations over which NRHM may or may not be transported by motor vehicle. They also apply to any motor carrier that transports or causes to be transported placarded or marked NRHM in commerce.


DOT Regulations

Here is a list of some federal regulations that are applicable to Trucks and the carriers.

Part Regulation Guidance
658 Truck Size and Weight, Route Designations - Length, Width and Weight Limitations  
40 Drug and Alcohol Regulations  
325 Compliance with Interstate Motor Carrier Noise Emission Standards Yes
350 Commercial Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program  
355 Compatibility of State Laws and Regulations Affecting Interstate Motor Carrier Operations  
379 Preservation of Records  
380 Special Training Requirements  
381 Waivers, Exemptions, And Pilot Programs  
382 Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing Yes
383 Commercial Driver's License Standards; Requirements and Penalties Yes
384 State Compliance with Commercial Driver's License Program Yes
385 Safety Fitness Procedures Yes
386 Rules of Practice for Motor Carrier, Broker, Freight Forwarder, and Hazardous Materials Proceedings Yes
389 Rulemaking Procedures - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations  
390 General Yes
391 Qualifications of Drivers and Longer Combination Vehicle (LCV) Driver Instructors Yes
392 Driving of Motor Vehicles Yes
393 Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation Yes
395 Hours of Service of Drivers Yes
396 Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance Yes
397 Transportation of Hazardous Materials; Driving and Parking Rules Yes
571 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards  
APPENDIX G Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards  

 

California Code of Regulations

California Law consists of 29 codes, covering various subject areas, the State Constitution and Statutes. Vehicle code is one of these 29 codes. Here are some select provisions as applicable to trucking in general.

GENERAL PROVISIONS .............................................. 1-32
CHAPTER 2. DEPARTMENT OF THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL
Article 1. Administration ..................................... 2100-2114
Article 2. The California Highway Patrol ...................... 2250-2269
Article 3. Powers and Duties ................................ 2400-2429.5
Article 3.3. Tow Truck Drivers .............................. 2430-2432.3
Article 4. Highway Spill Containment and Abatement of
Hazardous Substances ............................... 2450-2454
Article 5. Renderers and Transporters of Inedible Kitchen
Grease ............................................. 2460-2478
CHAPTER 2.5. LICENSES ISSUED BY CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL
Article 3.5. Inspection and Maintenance Stations ........... 2525-2525.12
Article 4. Transportation of Hazardous Material ............... 2531-2532
Article 5. Denial, Suspension and Revocation .................. 2540-2549
Article 6. Hazardous Waste Inspections
Article 7. Transportation of School Pupils .................... 2570-2574
CHAPTER 4. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Article 1. Lawful Orders and Inspections ...................... 2800-2818
CHAPTER 5. CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM
Article 1. Traffic Safety ..................................... 2900-2911
CHAPTER 4. PERMITS TO NONRESIDENT OWNERS
Article 1. Exemption of Nonresidents .......................... 6700-6703
Article 2. Foreign Commercial Vehicles ........................ 6850-6854
Article 3. Reciprocity Agreements ............................. 8000-8002
Article 4. Apportioned Registration ........................... 8050-8058
Article 5. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Program ............... 8100-8104
DIVISION 6. DRIVERS' LICENSES
CHAPTER 7. COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY PROGRAM
Article 1. Intent ................................................ 15200
Article 2. Definitions ...................................... 15210-15215
Article 3. Driver Notification Requirements ................. 15220-15230
Article 4. Employer Responsibilities ........................ 15240-15242
Article 5. Commercial Driver's License ...................... 15250-15263
Article 6. Endorsements ..................................... 15275-15278
DIVISION 7. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAWS
CHAPTER 4. COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ............................... 16500-16503
CHAPTER 6. INTERSTATE HIGHWAY CARRIERS ............................ 16560
DIVISION 9. CIVIL LIABILITY
CHAPTER 1. CIVIL LIABILITY OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF VEHICLES
Article 2. Private Owners ................................... 17150-17159
Article 2.5. Uninsured Owners ............................... 17200-17202
Article 3. Liability for Damage to Highway .................. 17300-17303
Article 4. Service of Process ............................... 17450-17463
DIVISION 10. ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS
CHAPTER 1. ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS .................... 20000-20018
DIVISION 11. RULES OF THE ROAD
CHAPTER 1. OBEDIENCE TO AND EFFECT OF TRAFFIC LAWS
Article 1. Definitions ...................................... 21000-21001
Article 2. Effect of Traffic Laws ........................... 21050-21070
Article 3. Local Regulation ................................. 21100-21117
CHAPTER 3. DRIVING, OVERTAKING, AND PASSING
Article 1. Driving on Right Side ............................ 21650-21664
Article 2. Additional Driving Rules ......................... 21700-21721
Article 3. Overtaking and Passing ........................... 21750-21759
CHAPTER 4. RIGHT-OF-WAY ...................................... 21800-21809
CHAPTER 5. PEDESTRIANS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES .................... 21949-21971
CHAPTER 6. TURNING AND STOPPING AND TURNING SIGNALS .......... 22100-22113
CHAPTER 7. SPEED LAWS
Article 1. Generally ........................................ 22348-22366
Article 2. Other Speed Laws ................................. 22400-22413
CHAPTER 8. SPECIAL STOPS REQUIRED ............................ 22450-22456
CHAPTER 9. STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING ................... 22500-22526
Article 1. Driving Offenses ................................. 23100-23135
Article 2. Offenses Involving Alcohol and Drugs ........... 23152-23229.1
Article 4. Ignition Interlock Device ........................ 23247-23249
Article 5. Alcohol and Drug Problem Assessment Program ......... 23249.50
CHAPTER 13. VEHICULAR CROSSINGS AND TOLL HIGHWAYS
Article 1. General Provisions ............................... 23250-23255
Article 2. Towing on Vehicular Crossings .................... 23270-23273
Article 3. Tolls and Other Charges .......................... 23300-23303
Article 4. Special Traffic Regulations ...................... 23330-23336
DIVISION 11.5. SENTENCING FOR DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE
CHAPTER 2. COURT PENALTIES
Article 1. General Provisions .................................... 23530
Article 2. Penalties for a Violation of Section 23152 ....... 23536-23552
Article 3. Penalties for a Violation of Section 23153 ....... 23554-23568
Article 4. Additional Punishments ................................ 23572
Article 5. Additional Penalties and Sanctions ............... 23575-23582
Article 6. Additional Court-Imposed Orders and Directions ... 23592-23596
Article 7. Alternative to Alcohol or Drug Education Program ...... 23598
CHAPTER 4. PROCEDURES
Article 1. General Provisions ............................... 23610-23614
Article 2. Prior and Separate Offenses ...................... 23620-23626
Article 3. Defenses .............................................. 23630
Article 4. Dismissal on the Record ............................... 23635
Article 5. Court Restrictions .................................... 23640
Article 6. Alcohol Assessment ............................... 23645-23650
DIVISION 12. EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS ................................ 24000-24018
CHAPTER 2. LIGHTING EQUIPMENT
Article 1. General Provisions ............................... 24250-24255
Article 2. Headlamps and Auxiliary Lamps .................... 24400-24411
Article 3. Rear Lighting Equipment .......................... 24600-24616
Article 4. Parking Lamps .................................... 24800-24802
Article 5. Signal Lamps and Devices ......................... 24950-24953
Article 6. Side and Fender Lighting Equipment ............... 25100-25110
Article 7. Flashing and Colored Lights ...................... 25250-25282
Article 8. Warning Lights and Devices ....................... 25300-25305
Article 9. Commercial and Common Carrier Vehicles ........... 25350-25353
Article 10. Diffused Lights ................................. 25400-25401
Article 11. Acetylene Lamps ................................. 25450-25452
Article 12. Reflectorizing Material .............................. 25500
Article 13. Headlamps on Motorcycles and Motor-Driven Cycles 25650-25651
Article 14. Vehicles Exempted ............................... 25800-25806
Article 15. Light Restrictions and Mounting ................. 25950-25952
Article 16. Equipment Testing ............................... 26100-26106
CHAPTER 3. BRAKES
Article 1. Brake Requirements ............................... 26301-26311
Article 2. Operation of Brakes ............................ 26450-26458.5
Article 3. Airbrakes ........................................ 26502-26508
Article 4. Vacuum Brakes .................................... 26520-26522
CHAPTER 4. WINDSHIELDS AND MIRRORS ........................... 26700-26712
CHAPTER 5. OTHER EQUIPMENT
Article 4. Tires ............................................ 27450-27503
Article 5. Fenders, Ornaments, and Television ............... 27600-27607
Article 6. Tow Trucks ............................................ 27700
Article 8. Signs ............................................ 27900-27910
Article 9. Refrigeration Equipment ............................... 28000
Article 11.5. Bumpers ....................................... 28070-28071
Article 14. Cellular Telephones .................................. 28090
DIVISION 13. TOWING AND LOADING EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER 1. TOWING EQUIPMENT .................................. 29000-29009
CHAPTER 5. TRANSPORTING OTHER LOADS
Article 1. Hazardous Materials .............................. 31301-31309
Article 2. Vehicles Transporting Workmen .................... 31400-31409
Article 7. Tank Containers ....................................... 31540
Article 8. Waste Tires ........................................... 31560
DIVISION 14. TRANSPORTATION OF EXPLOSIVES ..................... 31600-31620
DIVISION 14.1. TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
CHAPTER 1. LICENSING ......................................... 32000-32004
CHAPTER 2. NOTIFICATION OF ROUTES ............................ 32050-32053
DIVISION 14.3. TRANSPORTATION OF INHALATION HAZARDS ........... 32100-32109
DIVISION 14.5. TRANSPORTATION OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS ........ 33000-33002
DIVISION 14.7. FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
Article 1. Administration .................................... 34000-34006
Article 2. Regulations ....................................... 34019-34024
Article 4. Enforcement ....................................... 34060-34064
Article 5. Violations ............................................. 34100
DIVISION 14.8. SAFETY REGULATIONS ........................... 34500-34520.5
DIVISION 14.85. MOTOR CARRIERS OF PROPERTY PERMIT ACT
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS ................ 34600-34606
CHAPTER 3. INSURANCE ......................................... 34630-34634
CHAPTER 4. WORKERS' COMPENSATION .................................. 34640
DIVISION 15. SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS ................................ 35000-35003
CHAPTER 2. WIDTH ............................................. 35100-35111
CHAPTER 3. HEIGHT ............................................ 35250-35252
CHAPTER 4. LENGTH ............................................ 35400-35414
CHAPTER 5. WEIGHT
Article 1. Axle Limits ...................................... 35550-35558
Article 1.5. Intermodal Weight Determination Program ........ 35580-35581
Article 2. Tire Limits ...................................... 35600-35601
Article 3. Limit Changes on State Highways ................ 35650-35655.5
Article 4. Local Authorities ................................ 35700-35722
Article 5. Bridges and Other Structures ..................... 35750-35755
Article 6. Permits and Agreements ........................... 35780-35796
DIVISION 16. IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY
CHAPTER 1. DEFINITIONS ....................................... 36000-36017
CHAPTER 2. REGISTRATION OF IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY ........... 36100-36130
CHAPTER 3. DRIVERS' LICENSES ................................. 36300-36305
CHAPTER 4. SPEED LAWS ............................................. 36400
CHAPTER 5. EQUIPMENT OF IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY .............. 36500-36520
CHAPTER 6. SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD OF IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY .. 36600-36627
CHAPTER 7. OTHER REQUIREMENTS ................................ 36700-36705
CHAPTER 8. GENERAL PROVISIONS ..................................... 36800
DIVISION 17. OFFENSES AND PROSECUTION
CHAPTER 1. OFFENSES
Article 1. Violation of Code .............................. 40000.1-40007
Article 2. Procedure on Equipment and Registration Violations 40150-40152
Article 3. Procedure on Parking Violations .................. 40200-40230
Article 4. Procedure on Toll Evasion Violations ............. 40250-40273
CHAPTER 2. PROCEDURE ON ARRESTS
Article 1. Arrests .......................................... 40300-40313
Article 2. Release Upon Promise to Appear ................... 40500-40522
Article 3. Notice of Violation .............................. 40600-40604
Article 4. Notice to Correct Violation ...................... 40610-40618
CHAPTER 3. ILLEGAL EVIDENCE
Article 1. Prosecutions Under Code .......................... 40800-40808
Article 2. Civil Actions .................................... 40830-40834
CHAPTER 3.5. EVIDENCE ........................................ 40900-40903
CHAPTER 4. PRESUMPTIONS ...................................... 41100-41104
CHAPTER 5. DEFENSES .......................................... 41400-41403
CHAPTER 6. NONPROSECUTION OF VIOLATIONS ...................... 41500-41501
CHAPTER 7. ARREST QUOTAS ..................................... 41600-41603
CHAPTER 8. CONSOLIDATED DISPOSITION ............................... 41610
DIVISION 18. PENALTIES AND DISPOSITION OF FEES, FINES, AND
FORFEITURES
CHAPTER 1. PENALTIES
Article 1. Public Offenses .................................. 42000-42010
Article 2. Weight Violations ................................ 42030-42032
CHAPTER 2. DISPOSITION OF FEES, FINES, AND FORFEITURES
Article 1. Fines and Forfeitures ............................ 42200-42205
Article 2. Refund of Fees and Penalties ..................... 42230-42235
CHAPTER 3. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCOUNT ............................. 42270-42277


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