The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates federal trucking laws and provides strict guidelines that trucks must follow nationwide. If you want to better understand federal trucking laws in San Diego, our truck accident attorneys could help answer your questions about requirements and applications.
At Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys, we have extensive experience working with federal trucking laws in the city. We know the requirements of truck drivers and the laws that apply to commercial licenses.
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License?
Federal law in San Diego mandates that truck drivers have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). To obtain a CDL, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Pass a Department of Transportation medical exam
- Pass a written knowledge test to obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit
- Complete a pre-trip vehicle inspection
- Complete a basic control skills test and public road driving test
If you plan to drive between states, you must be at least 21 years of age. You must also have a valid non-commercial California driver’s license and legally reside in the United States. The law also mandates that you complete a federal Entry-Level Driving Training course. Additionally, the law requires an examination of your driving history over the last 10 years, and you cannot have multiple driver's licenses or a suspended license in any state. Speaking with a knowledgeable attorney could help you understand these mandates and answer your questions about obtaining a CDL.
Focus Areas of Federal Truck Laws
The federal trucking regulations in San Diego have several areas of focus that protect drivers and others on the road. They determine CDL licensing requirements and have strict limits on hours of service. They limit drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour on-duty shift. After driving 11 hours, they must have 10 consecutive off-duty hours. In addition, federal law requires drivers to take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving. They must not drive after 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days, or 70 hours in eight consecutive days.
The law also requires that truck drivers maintain logbooks. Electronic logging devices track the drivers' hours of service and automatically record driving times. Drivers can also maintain paper logbooks.
Truck drivers are subject to stricter federal standards regarding drugs and alcohol. The federal legal limit for blood alcohol content while operating a commercial truck is 0.04 percent. Drivers must submit to pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing. Additionally, they must complete a test when there is reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use.
Federal law also has requirements for pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Before and after a trip, the driver must conduct a visual and mechanical inspection of their vehicle. They must check all parts of the truck, including:
- Brakes
- Lights
- Horns
- Mirrors
- Steering
- Emergency equipment
An experienced attorney could guide you further in understanding these standards and inspection requirements.
Call Our San Diego Attorneys To Discuss Federal Truck Laws
Federal laws place many requirements on drivers who hold a CDL. If you have questions about obtaining a CDL or about the federal trucking laws in San Diego, the guidance of a dedicated lawyer could help you understand what the regulations require of you.
At Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys, we commit to staying up-to-date on all federal laws regarding commercial drivers. Contact our firm today to get the answers you need about trucking laws and CDLs.
