Safety on America’s roads begins with those who operate the largest vehicles. Commercial truck drivers must protect themselves, other motorists, and the communities they serve. Federal safety regulations exist to reduce the risk of catastrophic trucking accidents, limit liability, and protect a driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL). These rules are designed to safeguard the public while allowing professional drivers to build long, stable careers.
At the same time, many drivers face workplace pressures that make compliance difficult. Employers may push for unrealistic schedules, cut corners, or ignore safety protocols- which could lead to a truck accident. Understanding your rights and the federal standards that apply to the industry is the first step in protecting yourself and operating responsibly on the road.
Federal Regulations Every Truck Driver Should Know
Federal safety rules exist to keep drivers and the public safe. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces these requirements, and every commercial driver is expected to follow them. Many states also have their own rules that work alongside federal law, such as Louisiana trucking regulations and Texas trucking regulations.
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
These rules limit how long drivers can operate before resting, helping prevent fatigue-related crashes. Violations can lead to fines, out-of-service orders, or suspension of a CDL.
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: §395.3(a)(3)(i)
- 14-Hour On-Duty Limit: §395.3(a)(2)
- 30-Minute Break: §395.3(a)(3)(ii)
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: §395.3(b)
- 34-Hour Restart: §395.3(c)
- Short-Haul Exceptions: §395.1(e)
Electronic Logging Device Requirements (ELD Rule)
Most truck drivers must use ELDs to track hours of service. These devices reduce falsification and protect drivers from coercion.
- General ELD Requirements: §395.8(a)
- ELD Technical Specifications: §395.24–§395.38
- Supporting Documents: §395.11
Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations
Drivers must remain drug-and alcohol-free while operating. Mandatory testing occurs before hiring, after crashes, and at random intervals, ensuring only fit drivers are on the road.
CDL Requirements and Disqualifications
Medical Qualifications for Commercial Drivers
Drivers must meet health standards to operate safely. Medical exams and certificates verify fitness for duty.
- General Driver Qualifications: §391.11
- Medical Exam & Certificate Requirements: §391.41–§391.45
- Disqualifying Medical Conditions: §391.41(b)
- Vision & Hearing Standards: §391.41(b)(10)–(11)
- Maintaining Driver Qualification Files: §391.51
Vehicle Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance
Federal law requires pre-trip and post-trip inspections, as well as regular maintenance. These steps reduce accidents caused by mechanical failures.
- Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs): §396.11–§396.13
- Carrier Responsibility for Repairs: §396.3
- Annual Inspection Requirements: §396.17
- Inspection Recordkeeping: §396.21
Federal Truck Weight and Size Limits
Federal weight and size limits protect highways and reduce crash risks. Overloading can damage infrastructure and increase accident severity.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Limit: 80,000 lbs §658.17(b)
- Axle Weight Limits: §658.17(c)
- Bridge Formula: §658.17(e)
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) RegulationsHazardous Materials (HazMat) Regulations
Transporting hazardous materials requires training, documentation, and safety procedures. These rules protect both the public and the environment.
- General Requirements for Transport: Part 171
- HazMat Shipping Papers: §172.200–§172.205
- Placarding: §172.500–§172.560
- Packaging: Part 173
- Training Requirements: Subpart H
- HazMat Endorsement Requirements: §383.93(b)
FMCSA Safety Ratings and Compliance
The FMCSA reviews carriers and drivers for safety compliance. Poor ratings can lead to audits, penalties, or restrictions.
- Safety Fitness Procedures: §385.1
- New Entrant Safety Assurance Program: Subpart D
- Safety Rating Factors: §385.7–§385.9
- Safety Fitness Determination: §385.11
Distracted Driving and Seat Belt Rules
How Do Trucking Companies Encourage Unsafe Driving Practices?
Unfortunately, some trucking companies create conditions that push drivers to ignore these rules. Employers may offer cash incentives for faster deliveries, threaten drivers with demotion or job loss, or look the other way when procedures are ignored. A poor company culture can normalize unsafe habits and contribute to common causes of truck accidents.
Drivers in these environments often feel trapped. When companies value speed over safety, drivers may feel pressured to risk their careers, CDLs, and lives. These practices highlight why strong truck driver whistleblower rights are so important.
Federal Regulation Resources for Truck Drivers
Truck drivers do not have to navigate federal safety standards alone.
The FMCSA provides trusted guidance to help drivers understand their obligations and protect their rights. The FMCSA regulations page offers the full text of federal safety rules, while the FMCSA driver resources hub provides guidance documents, training tools, and FAQs tailored to drivers. These resources cover hours of service, medical fitness, vehicle inspection checklists, and downloadable forms. By using them, drivers can protect their livelihoods and avoid violations that could threaten their careers.
Knowing where to find accurate information on federal regulations gives truck drivers one of their most important tools.
What If You Are Encouraged to Break Federal Regulations?
Employers sometimes pressure drivers to ignore federal safety rules to cut costs or speed up deliveries. This pressure may come as “suggestions” to keep driving past your hours, skip inspections, or overlook equipment problems. While it may feel easier in the moment to comply, these choices put your career, your license, and the safety of others at risk.
OSHA statutes extend whistleblower protections across multiple industries, including trucking. The Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) builds on these protections by making it illegal for companies to fire, demote, or discipline drivers who refuse unsafe assignments or report violations. For drivers, this means the law is firmly on your side when you stand up to unsafe demands.
Reporting violations is not just about protecting yourself, it’s about helping create safer roads for every driver and passenger who shares the highway.
How to Report Unsafe or Illegal Practices
If you are pressured to break federal safety rules, you have several options for reporting unsafe conduct.
- DOT Safety Hotline: Call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (368-7238) to report unsafe practices. DOT investigators can review complaints and escalate them.
- FMCSA Coercion Complaints: Submit through the National Consumer Complaint Database. The FMCSA investigates coercion cases and can fine violators. Drivers can also contact their local FMCSA field office for localized support.
- OSHA Whistleblower Complaints: You can file an online complaint on OSHA’s complaint page or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). OSHA may order preliminary reinstatement while an investigation is ongoing.
- Consult with an attorney: An experienced lawyer can explain your legal options, gather evidence to strengthen your case, and represent you if retaliation occurs.
Taking these steps helps stop unsafe practices and reinforces the importance of nationwide truck driver whistleblower protections.
Hurt in a Truck Crash? Call Shamieh Law for Help
When trucking companies cut corners and ignore federal safety regulations, innocent people pay the price. Shamieh Law represents victims of accidents caused by unsafe practices, holding negligent companies accountable while advocating for safer roads.
Our attorneys serve both Texas and Louisiana, giving injured victims access to a dedicated Texas truck accident lawyer or an experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney. The firm has secured significant recoveries for clients, including more than $200 million in case results, and its work has been recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyers, D Magazine, and The National Trial Lawyers.
With deep roots in Dallas, Austin, and Lake Charles, Shamieh Law treats every client like family and approaches every case with the drive to win and the awareness to understand what clients are going through.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us today or call 469-813-7332 to speak with an experienced attorney.