Bad Truck Signage

Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

You might think it is always easy to see a large commercial truck. They are large and broad and tall, the biggest vehicles on the road, so how could anyone miss them? However, there are many conditions under which it may be hard for drivers to see a truck, recognize it for what it is, and see its full size. To ensure a truck is visible, there are strict federal standards about how a truck should be marked and lit. Regulations also dictate how a truck (and its trailer or trailers) should be marked to identify who is responsible for the truck, its driver, and its cargo.

Have you been injured or lost a loved one as a result of a truck accident? If so, the lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. can help you locate all those who contributed to the accident.  Please schedule a free consultation and case evaluation today to learn more.

Truck Visibility Standards

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has well-defined standards about what the owner or operator of a truck must do to make a truck reasonably visible.  The cab must have headlights on the front and clearance lights on the sides. It should also have tail lamps, stop lamps, rear reflectors and turn signals, similar to the requirements for other motor vehicles.  The trailer must also have reflectors and/or lights on the tail end.  A license plate lamp should illuminate the license plate so it can be easily read. Clearance markers on the front and side should let the driver and others know how much clearance the trailer needs.  The full shape of the trailer should be designated with special marking on the bumper bar, the rear lower body, and the side. It should be covered overall with a retroreflective material.

In addition, a driver is responsible for ensuring that all required lights and markings are intact, functional, and not covered by dirt or obstructions.

Identification Standards

The FMCSA also has standards for identifying marking on all self-propelled commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles should be marked with:

• The legal or trade name of the operator. This should be the name of the carrier that is known to the FMCSA.
• The FMCSA-issued motor carrier identification number, preceded by the letters “USDOT.”
• If a vehicle bears multiple names, the operator must be distinguished by the words “operated by”

To comply with regulation, identifying marking must appear on both sides of the vehicle and be in a sharply contrasting color. It should be readily legible from at least 50 feet while the vehicle is stationary. As with visibility marking, the driver is responsible for keeping identifying marking clear of mud and dirt. The carrier is responsible for making sure they stay legible and repainting or reapplying them as necessary. If the vehicle in question is a rental commonly leased for periods less than 30 days, it should be marked with the name of the lessor.

If you or a loved one has been injured in or lost a loved one in a truck accident in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C., the attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. are ready to help.  Please call or email us today to learn how.