United States Trucking Rulesfrom a Missouri Truck Accident Lawyer
As any Missouri Truck Accident Attorney can attest, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations has created a number of regulations that govern many aspects of commercial motor vehicle operation. One of the most important aspects governed by the FCMSA is the number of hours hours a truck driver can drive. These regulations are referred to as hours of service regulations. These regulations govern how long a truck driver may drive and also be on-duty during a specific time period. The regulations also demand a minimum off-duty time before the truck driver can start driving again.
The Hours of Service regulations general purpose is to stop wrecks caused by tired drivers, although if a truck crash has occurred, one should contact a Missouri Truck Accident Attorney as soon as possible. Alot of truck companies will go as far as to get rid of logs and evidence that show that their employee surpassed the mandatory hours stipulated by law, since such a violation is recognized by most states as a reason for punitive damages.
The laws used to be that a commercial truck driver could not drive more than twelve hours. This included a maximum of fifteen consecutive on-duty hours and a minimum of 9 off-duty hours. Then, in 1939, the regulations changed. Truck drivers could not operate their trucks more than 10 consecutive hours. The on-duty requirement was abolished, but off-duty hours had to be a minimum of 8 hours. Then, more changes occurred in 1962. In that year, driving hours remained at a capped maximum of 10 consecutive hours. But the on-duty limit was changed to 14 hours. Still, drivers were required to remain off duty for 8 hours but a new minimum cycle limit of 18 hours was established. These regulations lasted for nearly three decades until 2003. In that year, property carrying vehicles were limited to driving no more than 11 hours, being on-duty no more than 14 consecutive hours, and they had to be off duty for 10 consecutive hours before coming back on. A Missouri Truck Accident Attorney will be able to any questions you may have about specific trucking regulations. For this reason, you should not hesitate to contact one if you have any questions regarding the limits imposed on the number of hours that a trucker can drive.
Several problems arise out of breaking these laws, not the least of which is vehicular accidents, which sometimes result in severe injury and even death. A Missouri Truck Accident Lawyer is intimately acquainted with the ins and outs of the FMCSA, CMV and HOS laws, and would be most suitable for inquires into any accidents and/or violations that may be governed by these bodies.
For more information on US Law in the State of Missouri pertaining to truck drivers, truck accidents or violations of truckers HOS, you may contact a Local Missouri Truck Accident Lawyer available in your area.
To learn more about the federal regulations and Missouri's laws pertaining to truck drivers, truck accidents, and hours of service violations, contact a Missouri Truck Accident Lawyer.