Operation of semi trucks and semi trailers is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This federal agency sets forth rules and regulations with the purpose of reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities along the road. A secondary objective is to reduce unsafe practices that could lead to destruction of the environment and unnecessary wear on the nation’s road infrastructure.
There are also a variety of California State institutions that enforce their own rules and regulations. These entities include the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and even the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA).
State and laws for semi trucks dictate minimum training requirements, safe driving practices, and laws like how large of a load the truck can carry.