By Slawomir Platta for Risk & Insurance
Nearly every business is subject to rules and regulations from federal and/or state agencies, and the trucking industry is no exception.
With the health and safety of so many people at risk, it’s vital that truck drivers, as well as other commercial vehicles, adhere to the laws put in place to protect the public.
The primary organization that oversees the trucking industry is The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA. It is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The FMCSA enforces nationwide rules, including the size and weight restrictions of different commercial vehicles, the number of hours truckers can drive in a specific time period, and proper labeling and delivery of hazardous materials.
While all commercial truck drivers are legally obligated to follow federal laws on roads and highways, states may also impose specific regulations on vehicles traveling within their borders. Failure to comply with these industry regulations is usually considered an act of truck negligence, which can result in significant fines and legal consequences, especially when an infraction creates an accident.
Truckers doing business across state lines and even within local municipalities need to be aware of the rules and regulations that may affect them.
Here is a selection of new trucking laws that either are likely to be introduced in 2023 or are in the process of being phased in via prior legislation.
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