Federal Trucking Regulations with Annotations

• Knowledge and Applicability of the Regs – § 390.3
  • 390.3 Subsection (1) requires carrier’s knowledge; subsection (2) requires instruction of its drivers and can serve as a basis for negligent training; subsection (3) requires maintenance compliance
• If the FMCSR impose a higher standard of care than other law, FMCSR controls – § 392.2
• Driver Compliance is Motor Carrier’s Duty – § 390.11
• Aiding and Abetting Violations – § 390.13
• Driver qualification and requirements – § 391
  • Motor Carrier has a duty to ensure a driver is qualified – § 391.11
  • Duty to have a proper application for employment – § 391.21
  • Duty to do a background investigation – § 391.23
  • Duty to provide a record of violations – § 391.27
  • Duty to maintain driver investigation history file – § 391.53
  • Qualification file MUST be maintained until 3 years after end of employment – § 391.51(c)
  • CDL license with endorsements – § 391.51(3)
  • Application for employment – §§ 391.21 and 391.51(b)(1)
  • MVR – Driving record – 3-year inquiry – § 391.23(a)(1) and (b)
  • MVR driving record – annual – §§ 391.25(b) and (c); 391.51(2) and (5)
  • Employment history – 3 years prior (letter from each employer) – §§ 391.23(a)(2) and (c); 391.53(b)(2) and (c)
  • Drug and Alcohol Screening and Test Results (on hiring, after accident(s) and randomly) – §§ 391.53(b)(1); 382.401; 383
  • Drug and Alcohol Employee Statement – § 391.53(b)(1); 382.401
  • Record of Road Test – §§ 391.31 or 391.33; 391.51(3)
  • Medical examination report – §§ 391.43; 391.51(b)(7)
  • Medical examination certificate – §§ 391.43(g); 391.51(b)(7)
  • Driver’s certification CDL and annual continuing obligation – §§ 391.11(b)(5); 391.51(b)(3)
  • Proficiency in the English language – § 391.11(b)(2)

• Operation of Commercial Vehicle – § 392
  • Violation of a state law, ordinance or regulation is also a violation of FMCSR § 392.2.
  • 392.14 governs hazardous conditions, and imposes the duty of “extreme caution” in operation of a commercial motor vehicle in such conditions – including discontinuation of operation if conditions are sufficiently dangerous
  • 392.6 governs speed.
• Required Knowledge and Skills of a Driver – § 383.111 & 113
  • Knowledge of the Regs
  • Effects of fatigue, drugs and alcohol
  • Safe operation procedures
  • Backing
  • Visual search
  • Communication
  • Speed management
  • Night operation
  • Extreme driving conditions
  • Hazard perception
  • Emergency maneuvers
  • Skid control
  • Vehicle and cargo inspection
• Alcohol and Drugs – § 382
• Hours of Service (fatigue) – § 395
• Duty to maintain driver logs – § 395.8
• Required inspections – § 390.3
• Loading procedures – § 390.3
• Conspicuity – § 390.3
• Braking – § 390.3
• Underride guards – § 390.3
• Documentation requirements – § 390.3
• Leasing Requirements (including insurance) – § 376.12

This page is intended as a resource for practicing attorneys only and is not to be construed as legal advice or representation.