While the trucking industry plays a big role in the state’s economy, these vehicles can cause devastating harm when something goes wrong on the road. That is why both the federal government and the State of Georgia hold trucking companies and their drivers to strict safety standards.
If you were injured in a truck accident, these regulations can play an important role in your personal injury case. Here is a closer look at the laws that apply to commercial trucking in Georgia.
Who Oversees the Trucking Industry in Georgia?
Commercial trucking is regulated at two levels. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets safety standards for all drivers and companies involved in interstate commerce. This agency falls under the U.S. Department of Transportation and has been in place since 2000.
On the state side, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) handle permitting and enforcement for commercial vehicles. Georgia follows federal safety rules on its own roads but also has separate requirements for carriers that operate only within the state.
What Are Georgia’s CDL Requirements?
Anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle in Georgia must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). There are three CDL classes based on the size and type of vehicle being driven.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old (drivers under 21 receive a “Georgia Only” restriction limiting them to in-state routes)
- Already hold a valid Georgia Class C driver’s license
- Pass a vision exam and a written knowledge test
- Provide a current DOT medical certificate
- Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an approved provider
Some types of cargo require extra endorsements beyond the standard CDL. Hauling hazardous materials, for example, requires a separate knowledge test and a TSA security background check. Other endorsements apply to tanker vehicles and doubles/triples setups.
How Does Federal Law Limit Driving Hours?
Hours of Service (HOS) rules are federal limits meant to keep tired drivers off the road. They apply to all commercial truck drivers in Georgia, whether the trip stays in-state or crosses state lines.
The main restrictions include:
- No more than 11 driving hours after 10 straight hours off duty
- A 14-hour on-duty window once the driver returns to work after that rest period
- A required 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption
- Weekly caps of 60 hours over 7 days or 70 hours over 8 days
Nearly all commercial trucks must carry Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track driving time as well. These devices create a digital record that can serve as important evidence when a drowsy driver causes a crash.
What Maintenance and Inspection Rules Apply to Commercial Trucks?
Federal law requires trucking companies to keep every vehicle in their fleet properly maintained. Drivers are also responsible for checking their truck before each trip and noting any problems they find during their shift.
Common issues that come up during roadside inspections include:
- Worn brakes
- Tire damage
- Broken lights and reflectors
- Steering problems
- Cargo that is not properly secured
On top of daily driver checks, every commercial truck must pass a full DOT inspection once a year; trucks that fail are pulled from service until the problems are fixed.
What Other Safety Rules Must Trucking Companies Follow?
Georgia enforces several additional rules beyond licensing and vehicle upkeep. Commercial drivers are held to a blood alcohol limit of 0.04%, half the standard 0.08% limit for regular motorists. A first DUI conviction while driving a commercial vehicle leads to a one-year CDL suspension, and a second offense results in a lifetime ban.
Drug and alcohol testing is also required. Employers must conduct pre-employment and random drug testing, as well as post-accident drug and alcohol testing when circumstances specified by federal regulations are met. On top of that, every commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more must stop at all open weigh and inspection stations in the state.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer at The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
Were you recently involved in a truck accident in Georgia? An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate your case and determine whether any regulations were violated and, from there, pursue a claim for as much compensation as possible on your behalf.
Contact The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today at (229) 386-1376 to get started with a free consultation. You can receive some initial legal advice about your case at that time without any obligations. Keep in mind as well that truck accident lawyers generally work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay attorney’s fees if you win your case.
