Trucking Laws in Michigan
How federal trucking laws and regulations apply to Michigan
Trucking laws and regulations are federal, meaning that truck rules are set by the federal government. These laws also apply in Michigan. Below is a summary of the agencies and trucking laws for the trucking industry.
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The Federal Highway Administration
The Federal Highway Administration was formed in the early 1980s in an effort to curb the unacceptable number of truck accidents throughout the nation. The movement for increased safety of commercial large trucks led the federal government to focus on issues such as truck driver licensing, fatigue, hours of service, unsafe loading and minimum operating requirements, as each of those factors was shown to contribute to preventable truck accidents.
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was passed by Congress in 1986, creating laws to deal with problems caused by irresponsible and unqualified truck drivers and trucking companies that employ them. For example, laws were enacted to prevent drivers from having more than one license. By 1992, truckers were required to meet minimum national standards in order to operate a commercial truck. Once a driver met these standards, he or she was then issued a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
The FMCSA was established as a separate administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation, pursuant to the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. Michigan has adopted the FMCSA rules and regulations for its trucking industry. The trucking laws and regulations established by the FMCSA set driver requirements for aspects of the job including physical standards, alcohol and drug testing, hours of service, cargo, weight, licensing, inspection, repair and maintenance.
Trucking laws and regulations governed by FMCSA
Hours of service (HOS)
Trucking laws and regulations for driving hours and how truck driver fatigue contributes to crashes.
Truck driver log books and ELD rules
Rules for truckers keeping records and the penalties for lying on log books.
Michigan CDL guide: what you need to know
Learn what at CDL is and who is required to have Michigan Commercial Driver’s License and special endorsements.
Truck driver drug testing and alcohol testing FAQs
FAQs on alcohol and drug testing for truckers, and how they can affect your case.
CDL pre-trip inspection checklist
A list of safety checks a truck driver must follow before getting behind the wheel.
Michigan truck weight limits
Regulations for truck weight limits and the consequences of ignoring them.
Cargo securement regulations
What happens when truck loads are not loaded and secured properly.
Reflective tape requirements for trucks
Why this tape is required and how it saves lives by preventing truck accidents.
Truck safety and truck driver resources
A list of truck safety and truck driver resources to assist Michigan truck drivers.
DOT sleep apnea regulations
Learn about the lack of safety regulations by FMCSA for sleep apnea
Cell phone policy for CDL drivers
Learn about the cell phone policy for CDL drivers
Get your truck accident questions answered today
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