Truck Accidents: DOT Regulations
Maryland Truck Accident Attorneys
In an effort to reduce the amount of truck accidents that occur, the federal government has established laws that regulate the trucking industry. Each state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) also has their own separate set of trucking laws to supplement federal regulations.
Unfortunately, many trucking companies see these rules as an expensive interference, and are constantly looking for ways to circumvent them. Some companies even encourage their employees to take shortcuts – all in the name of making the fastest delivery possible.
Maryland Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations
The state of Maryland has its own rules and programs for truck carriers that operate within state borders. One of these programs is the Preventive Maintenance Program (PM Program), which requires all tractor-trailers to be systematically inspected, maintained, and repaired every 12 months or 25,000 miles – whichever comes first.
The PM Program applies to:
- Class E trucks operating (or registered) at a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds
- Class F tractors
- Class G trailers and semi-trailers operating (or registered) at a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds
- Class P passenger busses
- Class M multipurpose vehicles capable of seating 16+ passengers
- Vehicles previously registered as Class H school buses or Class P buses
The vehicle owner is responsible for meeting these maintenance requirements.
Requirements for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)
The Maryland Department of Transportation also oversees the requirements for drivers to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a large commercial vehicle. Commercial vehicles are defined as vehicles:
- With a GVWR or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
- Designed to transport 16+ passengers
- Used to haul hazardous materials
Emergency vehicles, farm vehicles, motor homes, and Department of Defense vehicles are exempt from CDL requirements.
Our experienced Maryland truck accident lawyers are familiar with the detailed, state-specific laws that govern trucking throughout Maryland. If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, it is possible that one of these laws was violated, leading to the circumstances of the accident. We can find out exactly what went wrong and who is responsible for your losses, then fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Maryland truck accident, contact us today to schedule a free personal consultation. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. represents truck accident victims in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
