Houston Trucking Laws and Regulations

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we understand that navigating the intricacies of trucking laws and regulations can be challenging and maybe a little mind-numbing. However, these rules are designed to help ensure safety and compliance on the road. Being aware of what they are and how they work can be extremely useful for those who work in the industry or for regular people who have had a car accident that involved an 18-wheeler. 

There are both state and federal regulations that govern safety standards and driver qualifications, and understanding this information can help you in a variety of ways. We’ll cover all of these regulations in the following sections, and then we’ll discuss what the future holds for the trucking industry in America. 

If you’ve been in an accident that involved an 18-wheeler, you need experienced legal advice tailored to your exact situation. If you have questions or need someone to fight on your side, call our Houston office today. 

Federal Trucking Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring safety in the trucking industry. It sets various regulations that all trucking companies and drivers across the country need to follow. These regulations are important because they directly impact everyone’s safety on the road.

Recently, the FMCSA has introduced several important updates to its regulations. These updates aim to make sure the trucking industry changes with the times and technology. One update involves the adjustment of civil penalty amounts. Due to inflation, the costs associated with breaking the rules have gone up. This change means that if a trucking company or a driver fails to adhere to the regulations, they might face heftier fines than before. 

Another significant area of focus has been the advancement of technology in trucks. The FMCSA is paying close attention to vehicles equipped with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems. These systems are designed to increase road safety by using advanced sensors and algorithms. They can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to prevent or reduce the impact on the drivers. This technology represents a significant step forward in reducing the number of accidents involving trucks because it enhances safety for both truck drivers and all other drivers.

Additionally, the FMCSA is exploring regulations around Automated Driving Systems (ADS) in commercial vehicles. This move is in response to the rapid technological advancements in the field of automated driving. The focus here is on ensuring that these systems are safe and effective in real-world driving conditions. By regulating ADS, the FMCSA aims to harness the benefits of this technology, such as reducing driver fatigue and improving overall road safety while reducing the potential risks associated with it.

The requirement for Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) also remains a key part of FMCSA’s regulations. ELDs are used by most trucking companies to record driving time. This is important for preventing driver fatigue because it limits the number of hours a driver can be on the road. ELDs ensure accurate tracking of these hours, making it harder for drivers or companies to ignore these limits.

Texas-Specific Trucking Regulations

In Texas, the trucking rules set by the state’s Department of Public Safety are to make sure trucking is safe and operates smoothly in our state. These rules add to what the federal government requires and focus on things that are especially important in Texas.

For example, the state sets its own standards for how safe trucks have to be and what is required to be a qualified truck driver. This is to ensure that trucks on Texas roads are in good condition and driven by people who know what they’re doing.

Texas also has its own rules about moving dangerous materials. These rules are all about keeping people safe when these materials are being carried through the state, making sure they’re handled and transported safely.

Finally, Texas requires that all commercial trucks in the state must be registered with Texas. This helps keep track of the trucks and ensures they meet state standards. 

Emerging Trends and Future Changes

The trucking industry is always coming up with new rules designed to improve safety, use new technology, and take care of the environment.

One big change that’s being talked about currently is detention pay reforms. This is about paying truck drivers for the time they spend waiting (detention time) and how that affects their safety or whether they stay on the job. Changes here could mean drivers get paid more fairly for their time and are happier overall. 

Environmental and emission standards are also getting stricter. This means trucks will have to pollute less, which is better for the environment overall. For example, in places like California, they’re planning for all trucks that move goods in and out of ports (drayage trucks) to have zero emissions by 2035. This kind of change could start happening all over the country.

Another thing being discussed is putting speed limiters on trucks. This would set the maximum speed that trucks can go, which could make roads safer and save some of the company’s fuel costs.

Seek Expert Legal Assistance at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys

Understanding trucking regulations isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s important for the safety of everyone on the road. In the trucking industry, staying up-to-date with these ever-changing rules can be complicated, but at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we offer the guidance and support you need in every situation.

We are committed to keeping our knowledge up-to-date and providing our clients with informed legal advice as well as representation. Remember, whether it’s for navigating complex legal scenarios or seeking representation in trucking-related legal matters, DeHoyos Accident Attorneys is here for you.

If you’re involved in the trucking industry or have been affected by a trucking incident in Houston, our team is here to help. For more detailed information or to discuss a specific case, feel free to reach out to us at (832) 745-4878.