Raleigh Trucking Safety Regulations

Raleigh trucking safety regulations can be pretty complicated. Visit The Law Offices of John M. McCabe today to learn more about trucking laws in all of North Carolina.

North Carolina has seen a significant number of motor vehicle accidents involving large commercial trucks in recent years. According to the NCDOT, these crashes resulted in thousands of severe or fatal injuries, many of which could have been prevented. To help keep our roads safe and reduce the risk of future accidents, it is crucial for commercial truck drivers to understand and adhere to all relevant federal and state laws.

The Law Offices of John M. McCabe has compiled a comprehensive list of North Carolina trucking laws that all commercial drivers should be aware of. This includes regulations on speed limits, hours-of-service rules, cargo securement requirements, and more. If you think a trucking companies negligence contributed to an accident you were in, we can help.

What Are the Raleigh Trucking Safety Regulations for Truck Drivers?

There are a plethora of Raleigh trucking safety regulations in order to ensure the safety and efficiency of interstate and international transportation. These regulations are set forth by the International Registration Plan (IRP), an agreement regulating transportation throughout the continental U.S. and Canada.

Commercial owners with trucks that meet specific criteria, such as:

• having two axles and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds or any combination of tractors, trailers
• or other vehicles with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds must register with the IRP.

North Carolina commercial truck owners registered with the IRP must adhere to several specific regulations including:

• maintaining operational records for their fleet
• obtaining an active USDOT number or MC number from the FMCSA
• carrying insurance that meets minimum commercial liability requirements
• providing an EIN from the IRS if hiring commercial operators as employees
• and recording and reporting mileage totals for IRP application renewals.

By adhering to these regulations, truck drivers in Raleigh and all of North Carolina can help ensure safe and efficient transportation throughout the state.

Maximum Number of Hours a Truck Driver Can Drive Per Day

Hours-of-service regulations are an essential part of keeping North Carolina and national roadways safe. These regulations impose limits on the amount of time commercial drivers can spend behind the wheel without a break in order to prevent driver fatigue and reduce accident rates. All drivers in the trucking industry must adhere to rules and regulations.

The 14-Hour "Window"

A 14-hour "window" is a rule that lets drivers drive for up to 14 consecutive hours, within which they can drive for 11 hours after 10 or more consecutive hours off-duty.

These regulations are designed to ensure that truck drivers are well-rested and alert while operating their vehicles. Given their size and weight, it is crucial to use caution when handling these massive trucks, as they present a considerable risk to other drivers on the road. By adhering to these regulations, truck drivers can help make sure that everyone on the road remains safe and secure.

Who is in Charge of Raleigh's Trucking Rules?

The FMCSA, a major regulatory agency for commercial trucking in North Carolina, is responsible for the oversight of such operations. This agency sets and enforces regulations for the industry, including:

• safety standards
• driver qualifications
• and vehicle maintenance requirements.

Along with the FMCSA, North Carolina has multiple organizations that enforce laws for commercial carriers and secure public roadway safety.

NCDOT (North Carolina Department of Transportation)

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is responsible for all commercial shipping within the state and enforces related rules and regulations.

Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety evaluates commercial trucking firms against the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) and looks into truck accidents in order to create ways to keep them from happening.

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV)

The NCDMV has the power to supervise business licensing and create liability insurance policies for commercial carriers.

Police Officers and Highway Patrol

Law enforcement officers are properly skilled to oversee commercial trucking regulations while on the road. They have the authority to inspect vehicles, issue citations, or even shut down an operation if necessary.

All these organizations work together to ensure that truckers in North Carolina are operating safely and responsibly on our roads.

Licensing Requirements for Truckers in Raleigh

In Raleigh, a CDL is required for any driver of a vehicle used for transporting people or goods. This includes vehicles such as semi-trucks, buses, and tow trucks. Motorists operating RVs, military vehicles, emergency response vehicles, or farm equipment are not required to get a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

To obtain a CDL, drivers must first qualify for and hold a commercial learner permit for at least 14 days. To do this, they must possess a valid class A, B, or C driver's license and pass an applicable knowledge test. Additionally, drivers must verify the type of commercial vehicle they plan to operate and provide a medical certification to the DMV, affirming that they meet the minimum physical condition requirements. If there are any questions about the driver's physical condition, then they must submit a completed medical report as well. Once these requirements have been met, drivers can apply for their CDL in North Carolina.

Speed limits and Routing Requirements for Commercial Trucks in Raleigh

In North Carolina, speed and routing restrictions for large commercial trucks vary from county to county and route to route. Here are some speed and routing Raleigh trucking safety regulations.

On interstates, commercial vehicles with more than three axles or that weigh over 26,000 pounds must not use the leftmost lanes.

In mountainous regions, trucks that exceed 10,000 pounds must stop at truck information stations for important information about steeply graded inclines or declines, commercial speed limits, and lane restrictions. Additionally, some areas may have a complete ban on through trucks or prohibit those with three or more axles or trailers longer than 48 feet.

It is essential for commercial drivers to be aware of these regulations before they begin their journey. Failing to comply with the laws can result in hefty fines and other penalties. Drivers should also be aware of any additional restrictions that may be in place due to construction projects or other events that could affect their route. By following all applicable laws and regulations, drivers can ensure a safe and successful trip for themselves as well as other motorists on the road.

Federal Trucking Safety Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the rules and regulations that all US trucking businesses must abide by in order to transport goods across the country.

1. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles are subject to Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations which set limits on how long they can drive without taking rest breaks, as well as other regulations such as record-keeping requirements.
2. Companies must meet FMCSA safety standards for their vehicles, including having regularly scheduled preventative maintenance such as tune-ups and oil changes, as well as ensure that accident reports are submitted promptly.
3. Companies are also required to conduct drug and alcohol testing of their drivers according to specific guidelines detailed by the FMCSA.
4. The FMCSA has implemented stricter standards for preventable crashes involving truck drivers, meaning more severe punishments for DUI/DWI offenses and other negligent driving behaviors.
5. To get licensed for interstate transportation, companies must register with the Department of Transportation and remain compliant with their safety ratings at all times in order to keep operating on public roads and highways.
6. All cargo is required to be adequately secured on trucks, including proper storage containers or heavy tarpaulins in order reduce risk of accidents caused by debris falling off the vehicle while traveling on public roads or highways.
7. Leasing arrangements between motor carriers and owner-operators have been improved upon through new FMCSA rules emphasizing greater clarity around lease agreements so both sides know exactly what’s expected from each other during a freight haul contract agreement period.
8. Truck drivers must regularly check their logbook against the actual hours they have logged while driving in order to comply with driver fatigue management provisions set out by the FMCSA
9. Companies operating out of Canada will typically cause them to cross multiple jurisdictions when making deliveries into states in America; these companies must make sure that not only do they adhere to local state regulations but also federal laws determined by the Department Of Transportation in order remain compliant when crossing international borders.

What To Do If You Have Been in a Trucking Accident in Raleigh, NC

If you have been injured in a trucking accident in Raleigh, then you may have a right to compensation. If the trucking company or driver had a trucking regulation violation, you might have a case.  Here's what to do if you have been in a truck accident.

Call 911

If possible, call 911 and get emergency vehicles out there as soon as possible. Not only will a police report help, but if you need medical attention, they can send for help right away.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don't feel like you have injuries, being seen by a doctor is crucial as many injuries don't show for a couple of days. Seeking medical attention right away will ensure you do not have internal bleeding, whiplash, or other injuries. And if you do have injuries, seeking medical help will get you on the road to recovery.

Do Not Talk to Insurance Companies

Whatever you do, do not talk to the trucking company's insurance, driver, or trucking company. Their goal is to find you liable and get out of having to compensate you.

Call The Law Offices of John M. McCabe

Calling a truck accident lawyer at The Law Offices of John M. McCabe will ensure you get the most compensation possible after your accident.

How Will an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?

Establishing that violations of trucking laws occurred can be critical in your case for the maximum compensation that meaningfully addresses medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. We ask the right questions and tap the right resources to expose negligence, such as:

• Driver fatigue related to exceeding maximum on-the-road hours, lack of rest breaks, and other regulatory violations — traceable in some cases to unreasonable, illegal demands by the trucking company
• Driver distraction leads to unsafe turns, lane changes, and other dangerous maneuvers
• Overloading or improper loading of 18-wheelers and other transport vehicles
• Inadequate truck inspections or negligent maintenance leading to brake failures, steering failures, trailer/cargo detachment, and other significant accident risks

How Much Does a Trucking Accident Lawyer Cost?

We work on a contingency basis for personal injury claims such as a fatal car accidents. A contingency fee basis means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. We also offer contingency fee schedules for other practice areas, such as:

• Personal Injury lawyer
• Truck Accident Lawyer
• Car Accident Lawyer
• Premises Liability
• and more

Statewide Representation: We Stay On Top Of All Regulatory Changes

Raleigh trucking safety regulations evolve, as has occurred recently, with raised awareness of driver fatigue and distraction as frequent, severe accident causes. Our Raleigh trucking safety regulations lawyers stay on top of these changes at a level that brings requests to conduct legal seminars on this subject.

We are up to the challenge presented by drivers, companies, and insurers concealing evidence of wrongdoing, including over-hours driving. Our investigative team is adept at bringing forth evidence and witness testimony to prove that regulatory violations occurred.

Raleigh Truck Accident Resources

• Raleigh Truck Accident Liability
• Raleigh Truck Driver Fatigue
• Raleigh Truck Driver Injury Lawyer
• Raleigh Truck Accident Injury Lawyer
• Reasons Overloaded Trucks in Raleigh are Dangerous 
• Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer