In Maryland, Title 49 Section 383.23(a)(2) requires all operators of motor carriers to obtain a commercial driver’s license through the Maryland Department of Transportation. By accepting the commercial driver’s license, the driver agrees to follow all regulations as defined under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. A truck accident lawyer in Southern Maryland explains applicable laws associated with trucking accidents involving these drivers.
Title 49 of the Federal Code
Title 49 designates all requirements for motor carriers and drivers under Federal Motor Safety Regulations. Section 391.4(b) stipulates that all drivers must be physically capable of operating a motor carrier. Under the section, the Department of Transportation must conduct a physical and eye examination to establish the driver’s ability to drive the motor carrier.
Age Requirements for Drivers
Section 391.11(b)(1) stipulates the age requirements for drivers operating motor carriers. All drivers who wish to operate the motor carrier within the state of Maryland must be at least eighteen years old. The age requirement for interstate routes is twenty-one.
Speed Requirements for Drivers
Section 392.14 states that all drivers operating motor carriers must reduce their speed when road conditions are hazardous. A reduced speed is also required during adverse weather conditions. Rain, sleet and snow are all conditions covered under the regulation.
Hours of Services and Driving Logs
Section 395.1(o) requires a resting period of at least ten hours after a consecutive 14-hour driving shift. Next, Section 395.3 requires an off-duty period of no less than 34 hours after a seven-day driving schedule. The purpose of the resting periods is to decrease driver fatigue that leads to traffic accidents and injuries.
Section 395.8 requires the use of onboard recording devices to track all driving hours for each 24-hour period. Additionally, Section 395.15 designates the trucking company as liable for any accident if the driver falsifies their driving log.
In Maryland, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations define laws that all commercial drivers must follow. The regulations enforce conditions that could prevent traffic accidents. The conditions include but are not limited to driver fatigue and speeding during adverse weather conditions. Victims of trucking accidents who need to hire a truck accident lawyer in Southern Maryland can contact us right now.
