Trucking Violations to Avoid

Be Aware of These Frequent Driving Offenses. There are numerous violations that drivers may commit. Any of these can result in fines or other consequences.

Speeding the most prevalent issue encountered by drivers of all types. Neglecting to monitor your speedometer while driving can result in speed-related infractions. Additionally, you may breach speeding regulations if you are unaware of the speed limit and exceed it. You are prohibited from speeding, even if you are trying to meet a specific deadline. If you find yourself running late, it is advisable to contact dispatch or the recipient of the load to inform them of your situation. should never done this
Operating a Vehicle Without Appropriate Endorsements or Licensing. Depending on the type of vehicle you are operating, specific licenses and endorsements are required. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is essential for driving a commercial vehicle. You may also need additional endorsements that vary based on the nature of your loads. Common infractions of these regulations include driving with an incorrect license, operating without the necessary endorsement, and driving with a suspended license. If you have any inquiries regarding licensing or endorsements, it is best to consult your employer or a mentor.
Neglecting to perform a Proper Pre-Trip Inspection Before embarking on your journey, it is crucial to conduct a pre-trip inspection. This inspection is intended to detect any issues with your vehicle prior to hitting the road. While it may be frustrating to discover problems with your vehicle, identifying them early is vital in preventing accidents caused by defective or failing components.
Maintaining Inadequate Records. To operate a commercial vehicle, it is necessary to keep precise records of your breaks, work hours, number of dispatches, and more. These records, known as a “Driver’s Record of Duty Status” or “RODS”, must be maintained for each 24-hour work period. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration may request these logs, and you are required to present them upon request.
Ignoring Traffic Control Devices. Whether you encounter a stoplight, approach a stop sign, or need to yield in the area ahead, neglecting to adhere to a traffic control device is a guaranteed way to find yourself in a serious accident. Moreover, as your vehicle is likely to be significantly larger than those around you, the resulting collision could be quite severe. Always remain vigilant about your surroundings and comply with all traffic control devices.
Tailgating: Maintaining an insufficient distance from other vehicles is a significant issue when operating a large truck. When you tailgate, you do not allow yourself adequate time to react if the vehicle ahead comes to an abrupt stop. This is an undesirable practice that is likely to result in a rear-end collision.
Unsafe Lane Changes. When you intend to change lanes, it is essential to verify that there are no vehicles in your blind spots. You must also activate your turn signals and allow sufficient time for those around you to recognize that you are about to change lanes or merge. Given the size of your truck, changing lanes can be hazardous — take your time and thoroughly check your surroundings.
Improper Railroad Grade Crossings. When approaching a railroad crossing, you are requiredbefore at all railroad crossings prior to crossing. Furthermore, you must halt within 50 feet (but no closer than 15 feet) for the stop to be valid under this regulation. After stopping, you may proceed to cross the tracks; however, it is prohibited to change gears while crossing.
Exceeding Your Hours of Service Violations of Hours of Service regulations are significant and may result in severe penalties. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it is essential to comply with the designated schedule of hours permitted for work at any given time. Failing to take breaks as required or exceeding the allowed working hours can lead to serious consequences. The FMCSA provides an educational tool that allows you to input a sample log to identify potential violations.
Violating Rules During a DOT Inspection During a Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection, it is necessary to fulfill specific safety standards, including conducting pre- and post-trip inspections. Additionally, you must consent to roadside inspections if requested, such as when entering a weigh station, roadside checkpoint.
Did you know, 87% of Truck Drivers Do Not Do Pre-Trip Inspections

Estimates vary widely, with some industry discussions and YouTube videos claiming that as many as 87% to 99% of truck drivers do not perform thorough pre-trip inspections. These figures typically come from individual observations or informal polls within the trucking community, rather than official government data.

Some helpful information:

Ready for your Annual DOT Inspection?

Pre or Post-Inspection Checklist.

Safety first, when traveling on our roads and highways, is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.