Common FMCSA Rules Violations by Alaska Truck Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is tasked with a very important job, which is to ensure the safety of all Alaska motorists who share the road with semis, tractor-trailers, box trucks, and other large commercial trucks. To meet this objective, officials have enacted numerous safety regulations, backing up these efforts by taking strict enforcement action. Because some truck drivers violate the rules, FMCSA assesses fines to individual truck operators and trucking companies. Offenders are fined for such violations as out-of-service orders, restrictions on weight and cargo, and CDL DUIs. At the extreme end, a fine could reach up to $209,249 for issues with hazardous materials.

However, these fines are paid to the government – not the victims who are injured in truck accidents and the families who lost a loved one. Instead, you need to pursue civil remedies to recover damages for your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. An Anchorage truck accident attorney will assist with the process, and some information on the top FMCSA violations is revealing.

• Drivers with Suspended CDLs: All large truck operators must have the proper license, which is typically a Commercial Driver’s License issued by the State of Alaska in conjunction with FMCSA. Despite this basic, obvious requirement, driving on a suspended or revoked CDL has ranked high for several years. Trucking companies also have legal obligations under federal rules, so they can face fines for failure to monitor their drivers.
• Violations of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Regulations: Another top cause for fines levied by FMCSA is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The regulations lower the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to .04%, which is more stringent than .08%, which is the legal limit in Alaska. If a trucking organization does not implement policies for substance testing, it may face FMCSA penalties.
• Multiple CDLs for One Truck Operator: Alaska issues a CDL through the Division of Motor Vehicles, but it is possible – albeit illegal – for someone to get a license through similar agencies in other states. Having multiple CDLs is unlawful because of the potential for abuse: A trucker with an out-of-service order could still drive with a second license, even though he or she is prohibited under the first CDL.
• Common Traffic Violations: FMCSA rules do not cover basic traffic laws, but they are another reason for citations against truck operators. Alaska’s regulations on speeding, right-of-way, traffic signals, and many others apply to all road users. A trucker operating a massive semi and hauling substantial cargo may cause devastating damage and catastrophic injuries, so compliance with the rules of the road is critical.

Reach Out to an Alaska Truck Accident Attorney for Legal Help

FMCSA regulations are intended for safety, so violations increase the potential for serious truck crashes. To learn more about your rights, please contact Power & Power Law at 907-222-9990 or via our website. We are happy to set up a no-cost case analysis at our Anchorage, Alaska, office.