What Can Truck Drivers Not Do When Operating Commercial Vehicles

Regulatory Overview Explained: What Can Truck Drivers Not Do Under Federal Law

What can truck drivers not do when behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle? If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, understanding these prohibited behaviors is essential for your claim. Federal and state regulations exist specifically to prevent the dangerous practices that cause devastating collisions.

Truck drivers operate under significantly stricter rules than regular motorists. These restrictions address everything from driving hours to substance use, cell phone operation, and vehicle maintenance responsibilities. When drivers or trucking companies violate these regulations, accident victims have stronger legal claims for compensation. This guide explains the critical restrictions commercial drivers must follow and how violations impact your trucking accident case.

Hours of Service: Critical Time Restrictions Truck Drivers Cannot Violate

The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates specific hours-of-service (HOS) limits that directly answer what can truck drivers not do regarding time behind the wheel. Drivers cannot operate beyond 11 consecutive hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive past the 14th hour after coming on duty, regardless of break time.

Weekly Driving Limits

Truck drivers cannot exceed 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days. These restrictions exist because fatigued driving causes approximately 13% of large truck crashes, according to FMCSA data. Drivers also cannot restart their 60/70-hour clock without taking 34 consecutive hours off duty.

Violations often involve falsified electronic logging device (ELD) records or pressure from trucking companies to meet unrealistic delivery schedules. When your trucking accident lawyer reviews ELD data, these violations become powerful evidence of negligence.

Substance Restrictions: What Truck Drivers Cannot Use While Operating

What can truck drivers not do regarding substance use? Commercial drivers face zero-tolerance policies far stricter than standard motorists. Drivers cannot operate with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher—half the legal limit for non-commercial drivers. They cannot consume alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty or possess alcohol while operating.

Prohibited Substances and Testing

Truck drivers cannot use marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, opiates, or PCP—even in states where certain substances are legal for recreational use. They cannot refuse random drug testing or fail to disclose medications that impair driving ability. The FMCSA requires random testing for at least 50% of drivers annually for drugs and 10% for alcohol.

Commercial drivers also cannot use their phones for texting or holding devices while driving. Handheld cell phone use alone increases crash risk by 23 times for truck drivers, creating clear liability when violations occur.

Load and License Violations: Operating Restrictions Drivers Must Follow

What can truck drivers not do with their commercial vehicles regarding weight and licensing? Drivers cannot operate without a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) appropriate for their vehicle class. They cannot exceed 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight on interstate highways without special permits, as enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Critical Operational Prohibitions

Truck drivers cannot operate vehicles they haven’t completed pre-trip inspections on, documenting brake function, tire condition, and lights. They cannot ignore out-of-service orders or operate with known mechanical defects. These maintenance-related restrictions prevent equipment failures that cause 10% of fatal truck accidents.

Drivers also cannot exceed posted speed limits or operate recklessly. Many states impose lower speed limits for commercial vehicles, and violations demonstrate negligence per se—automatic fault—in accident claims. Understanding these restrictions helps accident victims identify multiple liable parties, including drivers, trucking companies, and maintenance providers.

Compensation Protection Summary: What Truck Driver Violations Mean for Your Claim

What can truck drivers not do becomes the foundation of your legal case when violations cause accidents. Every regulatory breach—from hours-of-service violations to impaired operation—strengthens your claim for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Trucking companies often face vicarious liability when their drivers break federal rules, substantially increasing available compensation.

Documented violations shift burden of proof and often trigger insurance policy limits well above standard auto coverage. Your case deserves immediate investigation before electronic evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade.

Start Your Case: Get Your Free Trucking Accident Claim Review Today

Understanding what can truck drivers not do empowers you to recognize negligence in your accident. Violations create powerful leverage for maximum compensation, but evidence deteriorates rapidly. Your free claim review costs nothing and provides clarity on your case value within 24 hours. Don’t let trucking companies minimize violations that caused your injuries—connect with experienced attorneys who know how to prove regulatory breaches and secure full compensation.

For Attorneys: If you represent trucking accident victims and want to expand your referral network, join our attorney network to connect with cases involving documented regulatory violations and strong liability evidence.

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