The rules truck drivers must follow in Georgia come from federal and state agencies that regulate who can drive a commercial truck, the number of hours they can drive in a day, maintenance requirements, the minimum auto insurance they must carry, and the maximum dimensions and weight of their trucks. Violating these rules may be evidence that can prove the driver or trucking company is at fault for a truck accident and your injuries.
What Federal Rules Must Truck Drivers Follow in Georgia?
Truck drivers involved in interstate commerce must follow federal rules set by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) when operating in Georgia.
Driving Under the Influence Laws
One of the most notable rules for truck drivers, as outlined in CFR Title 49, is that there are stricter limits on blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Commercial vehicle drivers cannot be on duty with a BAC of 0.04 percent or greater, which is half the federal legal limit for regular drivers. The law also sets guidelines for regular drug and alcohol testing.
Driving Hours
The FMCSA regulates driving hours of service (HOS) to combat driver fatigue, a leading factor in truck accidents. With limited exceptions, these regulations state that:
- Drivers can drive for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive off-duty hours.
- Drivers cannot drive beyond 14 hours after their last period of 10 consecutive off-duty hours.
- Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 cumulative hours.
- Drivers cannot drive more than 60/70 hours in 7 or 8 consecutive days, depending on the carrier’s operating schedule.
- The 7/8 consecutive day periods restart once a driver has taken 34 or more hours off duty.
Inspection Requirements
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping commercial trucks safe for the roads. The FMCSA requires both daily and annual inspections for commercial vehicles. At the end of each workday, the trucker should check parts such as the brakes, tires, and lights to ensure everything is in working order.
Are There State Laws That Truckers Must Follow?
Georgia also has its own laws that truckers in the state must follow, including those limiting the dimensions of trucks and how to secure cargo. In Georgia, commercial trucks must not exceed the following dimensions:
- Maximum width of 8’ 6”
- Maximum height of 13’ 6”
- Maximum length of 100’
Truckers must also make sure to properly secure the loads they’re carrying within the state. If an unsecured load comes loose and injures another motorist, both the cargo loading company and the truck driver could be liable for failing to check the load. If you need help, get in touch with our Atlanta truck accident attorney today.
What Are the License Requirements for Driving a Commercial Truck in Georgia?
A valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the primary requirement for driving a commercial truck in Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), to receive a CDL in the state, applicants must:
- Be 18 or older
- Have a valid Georgia driver’s license
- Apply for a Class A, B, or C vehicle license
- Pay the application fee
- Pass the CDL test
If a truck driver doesn’t have a valid CDL and causes an accident that injures another motorist or pedestrian, their lack of a CDL could be evidence of their (and potentially the carrier’s) negligence.
What Are the Insurance Requirements for Truckers in Georgia?
Georgia requires that all motor vehicles used to transport property have at least $100,000 of bodily injury liability insurance per person and $300,000 per accident. However, the FMCSA requires heavy commercial vehicles engaged in interstate commerce to have even higher limits of at least $750,000 to $5,000,000 per accident.
Many truckers and trucking companies opt for insurance policies that exceed these state-mandated minimums. However, it’s essential to keep in mind how policy limits can affect your insurance claim if a trucker hits you.
If you’re seriously injured in a truck accident, your losses may exceed the insurance policy’s ability to compensate you fairly. An experienced truck accident attorney can assist you by identifying additional liable parties to seek compensation from, filing an underinsured motorist claim with your insurance provider, or filing a personal injury lawsuit against the parties at fault for your injuries.
What Are the Logbook Laws for Truck Drivers in Georgia?
Truckers must keep an up-to-date physical or electronic logbook in their truck at all times. Within these logbooks, drivers must make note of the following:
- How many miles the driver traveled in the past 24 hours
- How many hours the driver spent driving in the past 24 hours
- Their start and stop times for all driving and break periods in the past 24 hours
- The names of all co-drivers and when they were driving in the past 24 hours
- The driver’s employer and how many trucks they drove in the past 24 hours
The purpose of these logbooks is to ensure truckers obey the various hours of service regulations set by the FMCSA. Any logbook rule violations can have steep penalties for truckers, including fines and losing their CDL.
If a truck driver caused a crash that injured you, your attorney may be able to use the contents of their logbook to determine if they were negligent by skirting the hours of service rules.
Are There Weight Limit Regulations for Georgia Truck Drivers?
Georgia’s weight limit regulations require trucks to meet the following limits depending on the number of axles:
- 20,340 lbs. on a single axle
- 40,680 lbs. on a tandem axle
- 61,020 lbs. on a tridem axle
- Maximum gross weight of 80,000 lbs.
Overweight trucks are at an increased risk of causing an accident, as the load could shift in transit, or the weight could increase the truck’s minimum stopping distance. An overweight truck could be a sign of negligence by the driver, carrier, or cargo loader.
Contact a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer
Did you suffer injuries in a Georgia truck accident? Are your medical bills and lost wages piling up? Contact Bayuk Pratt for a free consultation with one of our experienced truck accident lawyers.
Our team of qualified injury attorneys can:
- Investigate your case to determine all liable parties
- Calculate the total amount you’re owed
- File your claim within Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations
- Negotiate for a full and fair settlement with the insurance company
- Take your case all the way to trial to seek the maximum compensation if needed
With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our skills, resources, and training make us well-prepared for handling even severe truck injury claims. As former high-stakes defense attorneys, our founding partners have the insider knowledge needed to bring down insurance giants and secure the compensation our clients deserve.
We have a strong track record of maximizing financial recovery, with $300 million recovered for injury victims. That number includes $4.2 million for a box truck crash and $1 million for a tractor-trailer collision. Reach out now to find out what we can do for you.
