Georgia Trucking Laws And Regulations
In an effort to keep Georgia’s roads safe; there are many laws and regulations in place for the trucking industry. These laws enhance existing federal laws to protect all users of Georgia’s extensive roadways. Let us examine some of these trucking laws and regulations a little closer:
- Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): This is the highest cumulative weight of the truck which includes its fuel, cargo, driver and passengers, other fluids, and the truck itself. This weight is set by the truck manufacturer and is used as part of safety regulations in Georgia.
- Truck drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license and do alcohol and drug testing.
- A medical examiner’s certificate is mandatory.
- All trucks must have a Georgia U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number and/or a U.S. DOT number.
- Eleven hours is the maximum driving limit for all truck drivers.
- All trucks must be equipped with a fire extinguisher.
- Reflective triangles must be used when the vehicle is stopped.
- Accurate time record must be kept.
- Annual mechanical inspection must be performed on the truck.
- Post-trip inspection must be done and recorded.
- Trailers must have brakes, lights, and reflectors.
The three main categories of trucking laws and regulations in Georgia are Rule 4-1-1.1, O.C.G.A § 46-7-12, and Jackson et al v. Sluder. Only an experienced truck accident attorney is able to properly interpret these rules and regulations whenever there is a trucking accident. Georgia’s foremost truck accident law firm is Johnson & Ward. Contact our Atlanta office for a free consultation at (404) 524-5626.