California Laws for Truck Drivers

Understanding California Trucking Laws

Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow state and federal laws to operate their vehicles safely on all roads throughout the country. Breaking these laws can result in costly fines and increase the risk of truck accidents. Read on to learn more about California trucking laws and the violation dangers.

Must All Commercial Vehicles Abide By California Trucking Laws?

The California Department of Transportation defines a commercial vehicle as “a vehicle which is used or maintained for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation, or profit or designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.” Any vehicle that falls under a commercial vehicle category must abide by California trucking laws. Some of the most common types of commercial vehicles are:

• Semi-trucks
• Box trucks
• Step vans
• Cargo vans
• Passenger vans
• Buses

How Can Violating California Trucking Laws Lead to a Crash?

The California Commercial Driver Handbook details everything truck drivers must do to ensure the safety of themselves and everyone else on the road. From pre-trip inspections and hazardous materials operations to danger zones and loading and unloading, truckers must ensure they are well-versed in these safety standards and laws.

However, some of the most important laws relate to service hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement.

• Hours of Service: Truck drivers are limited in the number of hours they can drive each day and week. These hours are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to help prevent driver fatigue, which is a leading cause of truck accidents.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Trucking companies are responsible for keeping their vehicles properly maintained. This includes regular inspections and repairs and ensuring that all parts and accessories are in good working order.
• Cargo Securement: Truck drivers must ensure their cargo is secured correctly before setting out on a trip. This helps to prevent items from falling off the truck or shifting during transport which can be the catalyst for an accident.

When Injured in a Truck Crash Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys is On Your Side

If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is crucial to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options. Our lawyers at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys have extensive experience handling truck accident cases and can provide you with the skilled representation you need to maximize your chances of recovery.