Large commercial trucks are the lifeblood of the economies of California and the US. This has become particularly evident as the country has gone through a supply chain crisis caused by the pandemic and other international incidents. It is important to understand that there are various regulations in place in order to ensure that these large trucks are operated safely. These regulations affect truck drivers as well as trucking companies.
One significant emission control measure implemented by CARB in California is the Truck and Bus Regulation, which mandates that diesel trucks and buses above a certain weight must replace older vehicles with newer models or retrofit them to reduce harmful emissions, emphasizing compliance requirements and exemptions for occasional operators.
Overview of California Trucking Laws
California trucking laws are designed to ensure the safe operation of commercial trucks on the state’s roads and highways. These laws are enforced by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Trucking companies and drivers must comply with federal and state regulations, including those related to hours of service, weight limits, and vehicle maintenance. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, and even the loss of a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
The General Regulations Surrounding the Commercial Trucking Industry
There are various federal and state regulations that guide truckers and trucking companies toward remaining safe on the roadway.
Commercial Truck Insurance
Every commercial truck must follow the insurance requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in order to operate vehicles across state lines. The total amount of insurance required for a truck driver depends on the vehicle weight and on the types of material being hauled:
- $300,000 liability insurance if the vehicle is under 10,000 pounds and carrying non-hazardous cargo
- $750,000 to $5,000,000 for any commercial truck weighing more than 10,000 pounds (the dollar difference depends on whether or not hazardous or non-hazardous material is being carried)
- $10,000 per trip for carrying household goods
- $5,000 per truck for carrying household goods
Truck Driver Requirements
Every truck driver in California must have a standard California driver’s license as a prerequisite for obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). California drivers must have a CDL issued by this state, and any driver operating a commercial truck across state lines from elsewhere must have a CDL issued by their respective state. The process of obtaining a CDL includes acquiring a commercial learner’s permit, passing various tests such as vision and medical exams, and certain applicants may qualify for waivers based on prior military experience or out-of-state credentials.
Additionally, every trucking company should ensure that their driver is ready to handle the vehicle that they are asked to operate. This includes additional driver training aside from what is required to obtain a CDL. Electronic logging devices are crucial for maintaining accurate logs of drivers’ activities, ensuring compliance with FMCSA regulations, and promoting transparency.
Following the Hours of Service with Electronic Logging Devices
All commercial truck drivers are restricted to operating a certain amount of hours during each day and each workweek. Drivers must operate within a 14-hour window each day, of which they can only operate the vehicle for 11 total driving hours. Drivers can only restore a 14-hour driving window after they have been off duty for 10 hours.
During a seven-day workweek, drivers can operate for 60 total driving hours. During an eight-day workweek, drivers can operate for 70 total hours. A workweek is reset after a driver takes 34 or more hours off duty.
Vehicle Safety
Large commercial trucks must undergo regular inspections and maintenance. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is crucial in determining the specific maintenance and inspection requirements for commercial trucks. Additionally, truck owners must handle any emergency repairs as needed, regardless of whether or not the truck is up for scheduled maintenance. These vehicles can cause significant injuries if any single part or multiple systems fail. Regular inspections help ensure these vehicles are safe for regular roadway use.
California Air Resources Board (CARB) Regulations
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is responsible for regulating emissions from commercial trucks and buses in California. CARB regulations require trucking companies to use newer model engines and to retrofit older engines with emissions-reducing technology. The regulations also require trucking companies to register their vehicles with CARB and to comply with emissions standards. Non-compliance with CARB regulations can result in fines and penalties.
Weight Limits and Size Restrictions
California has strict weight limits and size restrictions for commercial trucks. The maximum weight limit for commercial trucks is 80,000 pounds, and the maximum length is 65 feet. Trucking companies must ensure that their vehicles comply with these regulations to avoid fines and penalties. The California Vehicle Code sets out the specific weight limits and size restrictions for commercial trucks.
Enforcement by the California Highway Patrol (CHP)
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is responsible for enforcing trucking regulations in California. The CHP operates weigh stations and inspection stations throughout the state to ensure that trucking companies are complying with regulations. Trucking companies that fail to comply with regulations can be fined and penalized. The CHP also works to prevent accidents and to improve safety on California’s roads and highways.
Compliance Requirements for Trucking Companies
Trucking companies must comply with a range of regulations in California, including those related to hours of service, weight limits, and vehicle maintenance. Trucking companies must also register their vehicles with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and with the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, and even the loss of a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Trucking companies must also ensure that their drivers are properly trained and licensed to operate commercial vehicles in California.
Work With a Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident involving a large commercial truck in California, reach out to an attorney immediately. A truck accident lawyer in Santa Ana can handle every aspect of your claim, including negotiations with aggressive insurance carriers to ensure that you recover full compensation for your losses. Individuals should be able to recover compensation for their medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering losses if the crash was caused by the actions of a truck driver or trucking carrier.
Protecting Your Rights After a Truck Accident with Callahan & Blaine
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, navigating California’s complex trucking regulations can be challenging. At Callahan & Blaine, we bring over 40 years of experience to handle every aspect of your claim, from investigating compliance issues with federal and California regulations to negotiating with insurers to pursue fair compensation. Our firm’s success in high-stakes cases is backed by a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in trucking laws, including hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and weight restrictions.
We are here to advocate for you, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable. Contact us today at (714) 241-4444, or use our contact form to discuss how we may assist with your truck accident case.
