Source: https://westcoasttriallawyers.com/ca/los-angeles-truck-accidents-lawyer/legal-requirements/
Timestamp: 2020-07-08 10:42:58
Document Index: 469561827

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Legal Requirements For Trucks | Truck Accident Lawyer
What Are The Legal Requirements For Commercial Trucks In Los Angeles
Legal Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicle Trucks, Explained by the Top Commercial Truck Accident Injury Attorneys
All trucks are subject to state and federal laws and regulations to minimize accident risks. However, West Coast Trial Lawyers know that some truck drivers and commercial trucking companies will ignore safety laws in order to meet their deadlines and maximize profits.
A truck driver who is found in violation of California’s safety regulations and causes an accident, may be liable to an injured driver for their losses. The majority of all truck accidents are caused by a truck driver who was not using reasonable care while driving or who was in violation of safety regulations. Below, our experienced truck accident attorneys have outlined information regarding the required safety regulations for trucks.
Regarding Interstate Commerce
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Title 49 CFR, Part 390.5 interstate commerce is defined as traffic, trade, or transportation in the United States that is between:
A place within a state and a place outside of that state
Two places within a state and through another state or a place not within the United States
Two places within a state as part of trade or traffic or transportation that begins or ends outside that state and even the country
The above definition is often thought of as the stream of interstate clause. This clause is open to different interpretations and can be difficult to agree upon. For the most part, interstate traffic is thought of as interstate commerce at least until it has reached its final destination.
Regarding Intrastate Commerce
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) Title 49 CFR, Part 390.5, intrastate commerce is defined as trade or traffic or transportation in any of the fifty states that is not covered under the rules of interstate commerce.
Commercial Motor Vehicles Regulations
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), Title 49 CFR, Part 390.5 a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is defined as a self-propelled or towed vehicle that is operated on a roadway in interstate commerce for the purposes of transport property or passengers when that vehicle:
Has a GVWR or GCWR of 10,001 pounds or more or
Is made or utilized for transporting more than eight passengers for compensation or
Is made or utilized to carry more than 15 passengers but is not used to carry passengers for compensation or
Is used to carry materials defined by the Secretary of Transportation as hazardous according to 49 U.S.C. 5103 and such materials are carried in an amount that requires placarding according to regulations set forth by the Secretary under 49 CFR, subtitle B, chapter 1, subchapter C.
Basic Requirements for CMV and CMV/CDL Trucks
There are limits to the number of hours a commercial vehicle driver can be “in service” according to Title 49 CFR, Part 395.3. For example, according to Vehicle Code 21702 VC, it is a misdemeanor for a truck driver in the state of California to spend more than twelve consecutive hours on the road in a 24-hour period.
Service Hour Exceptions
Exceptions for service hour regulations only typically exist for emergencies.There are also exceptions for certain trades and vehicles that transport passengers.
Driver’s Maintenance Records
According to FMCSR, Title 49 CFR, Part 395.8 there are requirements and specific procedures for driver’s to document their service hours. There are also specific requirements for safekeeping service hour records. As with all regulations, there are exceptions to these timekeeping rules.
Self propelled commercial vehicles need to be identified according to the FMCSR, Title 49 CFR Part 390.21.