Required DOT Rules and Regulations
The DOT rules and regulations are meant to be followed by all truckers and other drivers on US roads. Each state has its own variation of these regulations, but some of the rules are enforced on a federal level.
When training or recruiting drivers, it is important to remember these rules in order to prevent hefty fines and other complications. The Department of Transport periodically updates their rules, so it is helpful to have a specialized program or database that provides notifications every time the rules have been changed. All pertinent information on DOT rules and regulations can also be found at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Driver Qualifications
Before becoming a truck driver, an applicant must qualify by meeting the requirements provided by his/her state. All individuals need to follow the requirements of their state, even if these regulations are stricter than the federal rules.
All drivers should have a state-issued driver’s license and a clean driving record. In many cases, private trucking companies have their own requirements that are much stricter than State or federal laws.
Drivers who will transport large trucks that are over 26,000 pounds will need to obtain a CDL (commercial driver’s license) from the area where they are living. A CDL is also required for all truckers who transport hazardous materials, regardless of the size of their truck.
In most states, normal driving credentials are enough for vans and light trucks. Federal requirements specify that drivers should be over the age of 21 and undergo a physical exam every two years.
The driver should have a 70-degree vision field, 20/40 vision or proper lenses, and good hearing. A CDL trucker cannot be colorblind. If an individual is convicted in a felony involving alcohol, drugs, or a motor vehicle, he will not be permitted to apply for CDL. All licensees should be able to speak/read English well enough to communicate with police officers, prepare reports, and read road signs. In addition, they must take a written exam provided by the US Department of Transportation.
International Fuel Tax Agreement
The lower 48 states of the United States and the Canadian provinces entered an agreement known as IFTA. Also known as the International Fuel Tax Agreement. The Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces it. The purpose is to simplify the reporting of fuel use by motor carriers operating in more than one jurisdiction. IFTA creates one universal fuel use license and one base jurisdiction for each license holder. Under the fuel tax agreement, carriers pay taxes to their base jurisdiction. Each state receives the appropriate tax payments based on the miles driven in that state.
IFTA Reporting Requirements
Each quarter IFTA reports are due. April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31. Money owed or money credited is due at that time. DOT trucking regulations are strict. If you file your fuel taxes late or make a mistake on your report, you could face fines or penalties. With our convenient and easy-to-use IFTA reporting software, you can free yourself from the tedium of filing fuel tax paperwork. Furthermore, this will streamline your trucking business operations. Trucking Office uses PC*Miler to automatically track the number of miles driven per state. Also, it will make sure your IFTA paperwork gets to the DOT in full and on time. With our software, you’ll never have to worry about missing another fuel tax deadline again.
Requirements if i had a heartattack for dot physical.
Hello,
You would need to contact the FMCSA for specific regulation requirements.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
We are an invoicing system that helps you stay organized. Once you enter your trips into the system, there are 15 reports on the right side of the dashboard page that you can automatically generate from that. For instance, you can generate profit and loss reports, unit revenue, IFTA, driver settlements, create invoices, expenses and maintenance reports, etc.
We also have an ELD solution available if needed. https://www.truckingoffice.com/eld/
Feel free to start a 30 day free trial at https://www.truckingoffice.com/. There’s no obligation!
If my company, runs a duelly, has an authority, dot # and a Mc # . Not pulling , leaves Ms to TX then picks a RV, do I have to have to ELD all logs or can I run non stop?
Hello,
You would need to contact the FMCSA for specific regulation requirements.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
We are an invoicing system that helps you stay organized. Once you enter your trips into the system, there are 15 reports on the right side of the dashboard page that you can automatically generate from that. For instance, you can generate profit and loss reports, unit revenue, IFTA, driver settlements, create invoices, expenses and maintenance reports, etc.
We also have an ELD solution available if needed. https://www.truckingoffice.com/eld/
Feel free to start a 30 day free trial at https://www.truckingoffice.com/. There’s no obligation!
I work for a municipality for 20 years now my new boss says he wants u too plow snow for 20 hours straight is that allowed legally
Hello,
You would need to contact the FMCSA for specific regulation requirements.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
We are an invoicing system that helps you stay organized. Once you enter your trips into the system, there are 15 reports on the right side of the dashboard page that you can automatically generate from that. For instance, you can generate profit and loss reports, unit revenue, IFTA, driver settlements, create invoices, expenses and maintenance reports, etc.
Feel free to start a 30 day free trial at https://www.truckingoffice.com/. There’s no obligation!
If I am getting a Federal DOT# for my trucks in Florida and NJ, is there an additional State DOT# on top of that? Both NJ & FL require a DOT number, but is it a separate number on top of the federal # or is just the federal # enough to satisfy the state DOT requirements
You would need the US DOT number and a state DOT number from your base state, but not from every state that you do business in.
what’s the requirement for maximum hours permitted for working in one day? I heard is 12, so example 4:00 pm to 4:00 am is 12 hours but subtract 1/2 hour lunch and this results in 11 1/2 . I believe should be 4pm to 4:30 a.m. resulting in 12 hours worked.
Is a CDL required to drive a dually pulling a boat for a boat company? Truck & trailer G V W R both together under 26000 pounds
Anytime you are hauling for hire you need a CDL. However, if you are under 26ooo lbs then you would only need a class B CDL and not a class A CDL.
Wanting to know some rules on oilfield trucking. If the truck has to be stopped when off duty. Or can it be running 24 hours a day
Here’s a link to some information from the FMCSA about oil field regulations. FMCSA oil fieldFMCSA oil fieldFMCSA oil field
have a question, if a gvwr of a vehicle 12000 and it weighs say 10500 then you add a trailer and the weight says that truck weighs 12240 but your cvwr with trailer is still under and the back axle of truck isn’t over its max weight , is that a legal or illegal load
Check the FMCSA regulations for detailed specifications.
What are the regulations if you are a CDL driver that has an ICD implanted ?
Not sure about this one. You should check with your state’s CDL licensing center, or check the regulations at the FMCSA.
What is the rule on random drug and alcohol testing? If you suspect someone what is the time in which the company has to test you? And who is responsible for the fee for it?
Every driver is required to be enrolled in a random screening process and every driver has to do a pre-hire drug screen before they haul their first load. If you suspect that there is an issue with one of your drivers you can send them at any time. Unfortunately this is the company owner’s expense usually. Also, if you get an audit the biggest fines are for violation drug and alcohol testing procedures. Here’s an article from the FMCSA about it.
What tests are required and when does testing occur? | Federal Motor Carrier Safety AdministrationWhat tests are required and when does testing occur? | Federal Motor Carrier Safety AdministrationWhat tests are required and when does testing occur? | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
What are the regulations now with the Coronavirus? The clinic is not giving exams and our court house is shut down. It is due April 8, 2020.
You would need to check with your local jurisdiction for any updated due dates that are affected by the Coronavirus.
I recently tryed to sign up for a trucking career and was asked if I had a criminal background my response not in the last ten years. But they asked for me to disclose what it was if the federal government does not go back over ten why was the recruitment willing to ask and violate. My rights? End result no trucking career.
Most large trucking fleets have strict requirements about felony criminal charges no matter how old they are. However it is not a disqualifier to get your CDL. Many smaller trucking companies have more reasonable policies. You should check around your area with some of the smaller trucking companies.
I have just obtained my Class A license and am looking to start my career with OTR and eventually becoming an owner operator. My ex wife and I share custody of our son and wanted to know what rules/regulations there were in regards to my bringing my son along on some trips.
Usually there are big insurance liabilities for taking passengers in your truck. You would need to check with your company about their policy for passengers.
It really seems unfair that the rules and regulations are all safety based, and there is no policing of transportation brokers, who are many times the reason carriers have safety issues. If brokers nickel and dime carriers to death, or just flat out never pay anyone(there are a lot of those) how can a carrier keep an A+ safety rating…It cost money to keep your trucks up.
Who is held responsible for providing proper vehicle licensing and insurance.
The CDL DRIVER, the vehicle OWNER or BOTH