CDL Rules and Regulations

Commercial Driver’s License Rules and Regulations

Even though CDL (commercial driver’s license) rules and regulations are clear, far too many unqualified truck drivers are still on the road. If one causes a wreck, the consequences can be life-altering. A Houston truck accident lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP will be here to help if you’ve suffered an injury in a wreck caused by a truck driver who had no business being behind the wheel.

Three Main Types of CDL Classes

CDLs are essential for ensuring that truck drivers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to operate large vehicles safely. A CDL falls into one of three main classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each class permits the operation of different types of commercial vehicles.

• Class A: This license allows drivers to operate a combination vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Examples include tractor-trailers and livestock carriers.
• Class B: A Class B license is for single vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more, or for vehicles towing another weighing less than 10,000 pounds. Drivers with this license can operate buses, dump trucks, and large delivery trucks.
• Class C: This license is for vehicles transporting 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials. Examples include small hazmat vehicles and passenger vans.

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CDL Endorsements and Why They’re Important

CDL endorsements are additional certifications allowing drivers to operate specific vehicles or carry particular cargo. Endorsements include:

• H (Hazardous Materials): Required for transporting hazardous materials.
• P (Passenger): Necessary for driving vehicles that carry passengers, such as buses.
• N (Tank Vehicle): For operating tank vehicles carrying liquid or gaseous materials.

Endorsements ensure drivers have specialized knowledge and skills to handle unique and potentially dangerous situations, enhancing road safety.

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What is the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act?

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 established minimum standards for issuing CDLs to reduce the risk of truck accidents and improve highway safety. It ensures that drivers are appropriately qualified and prohibits them from holding multiple licenses. The act also mandates that states adopt uniform testing and licensing standards, creating consistency nationwide.

How Do Drivers and Trucking Companies Sometimes Try to Get Around Licensing Requirements?

Despite stringent regulations, some drivers and trucking companies attempt to bypass licensing requirements – often leading to horrible accidents. Common tactics include:

• Falsifying records: Manipulating logbooks and maintenance records to appear compliant.
• Operating without proper endorsements: Driving vehicles or carrying cargo without the required endorsements.
• Using multiple licenses: Obtaining licenses in different states to conceal violations or suspensions.

Why You Need a Skilled Houston Truck Accident Lawyer to Prove the Trucker Who Caused Your Accident Wasn’t Qualified

Proving that the truck driver wasn’t qualified is crucial for a successful claim. A skilled Houston truck accident lawyer can work to show the driver’s and trucking company’s negligence led to your injury. You can expect your Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP attorney to help in many ways, including the following:

• Investigate thoroughly: Your Houston truck accident lawyer will obtain and review the truck driver’s CDL, endorsements, and driving records to determine if they were qualified to operate the vehicle.
• Analyze compliance: The attorney will analyze the trucking company’s adherence to licensing and safety regulations, ensuring they followed all legal requirements for hiring and maintaining qualified drivers.
• Gather evidence: They’ll also collect critical evidence such as inspection reports, logbooks, and witness testimonies. This evidence can demonstrate whether the truck driver or the company violated any regulations.
• Expert testimony: Your attorney may also utilize experts to explain the importance of proper licensing and how non-compliance contributed to the accident. These experts can clarify complex technical details to a judge or jury.

Let Our Attorneys Help You Get the Justice You Deserve

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, an experienced Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP Houston truck accident attorney can handle the complexities of CDL rules and regulations and prove liability. Contact us online or call (832) 402-6637 for a free consultation.

Types Of Truck Injury Cases We Handle

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Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

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