Colburn Law

FMCSA Regulations in Washington

Ever since the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was established in 2000, the agency has helped reduce the risk of truck accidents, injuries, and fatalities across the United States. The FMCSA has crafted a comprehensive set of laws that serve as the backbone of commercial motor vehicle safety in many places, including Washington state.

Many motor carriers in Washington are subject to FMCSA regulations, which dictate everything from how long a driver can be behind the wheel to the maintenance standards of vehicles carrying tons of cargo. If an FMCSA violation occurs, it puts everyone who shares the road with these massive vehicles at risk.

Who Is Subject to FMCSA Regulations in Washington?

In Washington, businesses and organizations that operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce are subject to FMCSA safety regulations. While there are some exemptions, the majority of motor carriers must follow these standards.

These regulations affect companies that own or lease commercial vehicles and employ drivers, as well as drivers and other personnel involved in these operations. These personnel may include maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and inspectors.

Hours of Service Rules for Washington Truck Drivers

One of the most foundational FMCSA regulations is the Hours of Service (HOS) rules. These laws are designed to combat the dangers of driver fatigue, ensuring that drivers remain alert and capable behind the wheel.

Truck drivers often need to work long hours and drive extensive distances, which can easily lead to drowsy driving. If they fall asleep behind the wheel, they could cause a devastating collision. For this reason, Washington truck drivers must adhere to the following requirements:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may operate their vehicle for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour Daily Limit: A driver’s workday is capped at 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 30-Minute Driving Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break when they’ve driven for 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption. This break can be satisfied by any non-driving period of 30 consecutive minutes.
• 60/70 Hour Limit: Drivers must not drive after accumulating 60 or 70 hours on duty in 7 or 8 consecutive days, respectively. However, drivers can restart their 7/8-day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Commercial trucks are large, heavy-duty machines with lots of complex components. As a result, the safety of a commercial vehicle is only as good as its maintenance. FMCSA regulations mandate rigorous inspection and maintenance protocols:

• Pre-Trip Inspections: Before each trip, drivers must conduct a thorough inspection of their vehicle to verify that it is in safe operating condition. If the previous inspection report noted any issues that require maintenance or replacements, the driver must make sure that the necessary repairs were completed.
• Periodic Inspections: Every commercial vehicle must undergo a comprehensive inspection at least once every 12 months. These inspections must cover all items listed in the FMCSA’s Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards.

Motor carriers must retain periodic inspection reports for 14 months. Proof of the most recent inspection must be kept on the commercial vehicle at all times. Additionally, only inspectors who meet the FMCSA’s strict standards may conduct these assessments.

Vehicle inspectors must understand the agency’s inspection standards, have the ability to identify defective components, and possess knowledge of appropriate methods and tools. Inspectors can obtain these qualifications by participating in state or federal training programs or through a combination of one year of training and experience.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations for Truck Drivers

The FMCSA takes a zero-tolerance approach to drug and alcohol use among commercial drivers. These substances drastically impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, affecting judgment, concentration, fine motor skills, reaction time, and much more. As a result, the FMCSA has established strict regulations to detect and deter substance abuse.

According to §382.305, commercial truck drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol tests throughout the year. Even owner-operators of trucking companies must participate in a consortium for random testing, which means that they could be selected from a pool to take a drug or alcohol test. If a driver appears to be under the influence, they can be immediately tested under §382.307. Employers must train supervisors to recognize signs of impairment and take action if necessary.

Drivers who have violated drug and alcohol prohibitions must complete a return-to-duty process before resuming driving duties. This includes a negative drug and alcohol test result, according to §382.309. After returning to duty, drivers are subject to a minimum of six directly observed drug and alcohol tests in 12 months, which can be extended for up to four years, according to §382.311.

How FMCSA Regulations Affect Liability in Truck Accidents

If you are injured in a truck accident, you have the right to pursue a Seattle truck accident claim or lawsuit against the responsible party and recover compensation for the damages that you have suffered. In these situations, it is important to assess whether the driver or the company violated FMCSA regulations. These regulations serve as a standard of care in the trucking industry, and any violation may constitute negligence and liability.

For example, consider a case where a truck driver exceeds the maximum 11-hour driving limit set by FMCSA’s HOS regulations. If this driver causes an accident due to fatigue, their driver’s logs and black box data can provide strong evidence of negligence. Not only could the driver be held liable, but the trucking company might also face consequences for allowing or encouraging these violations.

If an investigation reveals that a trucking company failed to conduct the required periodic inspections or neglected to address known mechanical issues, this could also constitute negligence. Evidence of skipped inspections or ignored maintenance reports could significantly strengthen your claim for compensation.

Consult a Seattle Truck Accident Lawyer Today

After a truck accident, navigating FMCSA regulations, insurance negotiations, and more can be a daunting task. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who can advocate for your rights and fair compensation.

At Colburn Law, our truck accident lawyer knows what it takes to hold negligent drivers and their employers accountable. We will leverage this experience to build a strong legal strategy and fight for the settlement that you deserve. Contact us online or call (206) 919-3215 today to discuss how we can put our knowledge to work for you.