In 2023, truck driving laws will change significantly in order to ensure each truck driver has the necessary training, safety equipment, and regulations when on the road. These changes will affect truck drivers of all experience levels across the country. They need to be aware of what is coming so they can prepare accordingly.
In this article, we’ll discuss these upcoming truck-driving regulations and laws in detail, including vehicle maintenance, best practices, and tips for staying safe while driving a truck.
Truck Driving Laws Coming Into Effect in 2023
The truck driving industry will undergo significant changes in 2023 as new truck driving laws are enacted. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed a number of federal regulations and requirements that truck drivers must adhere to when operating their vehicles.
These rules are designed to ensure the safety of truck drivers, other road users, and the general public by providing necessary training, safety equipment, and regulations for truck drivers on the road. This will help prevent a truck accident or other issues.
Here is an overview of some of the upcoming truck driving laws:
1. Speed Limiters: FMCSA has proposed truck speed limiters in an effort to reduce truck-related accidents on the roads. The proposed speed limiter will restrict truck speeds to 65 mph or less, regardless of the posted speed limit.
2. Electronic Truck Monitoring: FMCSA also proposes monitoring trucks electronically by having truck drivers log their truck’s position, speed, and weight. This will help the FMCSA enforce trucking regulations more effectively.
3. Automatic Emergency Braking: Jointly with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, FMCSA has proposed requiring and standardizing automatic emergency braking systems for heavy trucks to reduce truck-related accidents on the road.
Passenger-carrying drivers must pay extra attention to their truck’s condition and maintenance to ensure the safety of their passengers. Drivers must also follow all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits and truck size restrictions.
Finally, drivers who work for an organization providing passenger services must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Check out our article to learn more about the requirements for commercial driver’s licenses!
COVID Policy Changes
COVID policy changes have been a major part of trucking laws for 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the trucking industry, and truck drivers have had to make several changes to their working habits to stay safe and adhere to regulations.
Hours of Service Exception
One policy change truckers have to understand is the Hours of Service (HOS) exception. To provide truckers with more flexibility while making their deliveries, FMCSA has proposed a change to the current system, limiting the length of time truckers could be on duty. Previously truckers could get waivers for up to 60 days at a time; however, truckers now must get an updated waiver for every 7 days of their trip.
Five-Day Regional Emergy Declarations
The FMCSA also proposed 5-day regional emergency declarations to reduce the impact on truckers during the pandemic. This rule allows a trucking company to automatically receive regulatory relief from certain trucking regulations in times of emergency. The rule is designed to help truckers who are struggling to make their deliveries while providing necessary safety regulations for truck drivers.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements
Additionally, the FMCSA has implemented new drug and alcohol testing procedures that truck drivers must adhere to in order to keep the roads safe. The policy requires trucking companies to increase drug and alcohol testing of truck drivers and prohibits truckers from operating a truck while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Tracking Truck Driver Alcohol Testing
The new policy also requires trucking companies to use an electronic drug and alcohol clearinghouse system to track truck drivers’ test results. This system will give them access to records of truckers who have failed their tests and those who have passed. Companies must also provide trucking safety training to all truckers, covering topics like drug and alcohol abuse prevention.
These new truck driving laws are designed to ensure that truck drivers remain safe while on the job and adhere to regulations while they are on the road. By ensuring drivers follow the rules and regulations, truckers can ensure that their trucks are safe for the public and avoid truck accidents.
Automated Driving System Regulations Proposed by FMCSA
The FMCSA has proposed regulations requiring trucking companies to use automated driving systems (ADS) in their vehicles. This proposal is intended to help reduce truck-related accidents and fatalities by making trucking operations safer and more efficient. This would lower the risk of a truck accident.
Benefits of These Regulations
The ADS regulations would mandate trucking companies to install truck-specific devices equipped with lane-keeping and collision avoidance systems. Additionally, they would be required to continually monitor the performance of their truck’s safety systems to ensure they are functioning properly. These companies must also train truckers on how to operate ADS correctly and safely.
These new truck driving laws will help truckers stay safe and adhere to trucking regulations. The FMCSA is committed to making trucking operations safer for truck drivers and the general public, and these new ADS regulations are a major step in that direction.
Truckers must keep up with the new truck driving laws and understand how they will affect their job. By following the trucking regulations, truckers can ensure they stay safe on the road in 2023 and avoid truck accidents.
Side Underride Guards Standards and Requirements
Side underride guards are safety features on truck trailers designed to help prevent cars from sliding underneath. The FMCSA has proposed new truck driving laws requiring trucking companies to install side underride guards on all truck trailers manufactured after January 1, 2023.
The truck-specific side underride guards must be tested and certified by an independent third party to ensure they meet trucking industry safety guidelines and avoid a truck accident.
By requiring trucking companies to install truck-specific side underride guards, the FMCSA hopes to reduce truck-related fatalities and collisions. These new truck driving laws keep truckers and the general public safe while on the road in 2023.
Key Takeaways for 2023 Trucking Laws
The trucking industry is changing, and truckers need to know new truck-driving laws that will go into effect in 2023. The FMCSA proposed several regulations. These include automated driving systems (ADS) and side underride guards to make trucking operations safer for everyone involved.
Truck drivers need to familiarize themselves with these new truck driving laws before they hit the road next year so they can ensure their safety and prevent truck accidents. Truckers can help keep our roads safe by following all relevant trucking regulations in 2023.
