Here's What Accident Victims Should Know About Emerging Trucking Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recently introduced a series of 18 proposed rule changes aimed at revising regulations governing the trucking industry. While these updates are primarily administrative, they could significantly impact how truck accident investigations are handled, especially in states like Alabama, where commercial truck traffic is heavy along routes like I-10, I-65, and I-165.
For those injured in a crash involving a tractor-trailer or other large commercial truck, these proposed changes could make it harder to prove fault or negligence. As a result, truck accident injury victims could have a tougher time getting the compensation they deserve.
What are the proposed FMCSA rule changes?
In May 2024, the FMCSA introduced 18 proposed changes to its current trucking regulations. This month, the FMCSA is accepting public comment for the next 60 days on these proposed 18 rule changes, according to a report by Overdrive. The FMCSA claims the proposed changes will help streamline federal rules governing commercial motor vehicles.
8 FMCSA Rules the Agency Wants To Remove
1. Truck Manual in the Cab: Truckers no longer need to keep the electronic logging device (ELD) manual in the truck.
2. Drivers Reporting Their Own Tickets: Drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL) won’t have to report their traffic tickets to their home state anymore, as states now share that information electronically.
3. Extra Fuses: Truck drivers won’t need to carry spare fuses for lights and other equipment since the rule is outdated.
4. Rear Bumper Labeling: New trailers won’t have to display a permanent label proving the rear bumper meets safety standards, as these labels often wear off.
5. Reflective Tape on Older Trailers: Trailers manufactured before 1993 were once required to have reflective tape added to increase their visibility. The FMCSA wants to drop this rule.
6. Liquid Flares: References to liquid-burning flares—an older type of warning light—would be removed.
7. “Water Carriers” Term: The FMCSA wants to eliminate the outdated term “water carriers” from its regulations.
8. Vision Waiver Rule: Truckers who previously had vision waivers under an old program will now be required to adhere to the vision standards applicable to all truck drivers.
10 FMCSA Rules the Agency Wants To Change
1. Railroad Crossings: Some trucks, such as buses or hazmat vehicles, are required to stop before crossing train tracks. The FMCSA wants to allow them to keep moving if there is no warning light or gate down, and it’s clearly safe to cross.
2. Digital Inspection Reports: The FMCSA wants to clarify that drivers can complete their vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) electronically to save time and reduce paperwork.
3. Roadside Inspections: Currently, drivers are required to return inspection forms to state agencies, even if the state doesn’t request them. The FMCSA wants forms to be sent only to states that request them.
4. Fuel Tank Filling Limit: Older rules say fuel tanks can’t be filled more than 95%. FMCSA wants to remove that rule because new tanks don’t have the same risk of overfilling.
5. Military CDL Exemption: The FMCSA wants to permit U.S. Reserve Technicians to waive the CDL requirement, similar to some National Guard members who are already exempt.
6. Conveyor Brakes: Trucks with portable conveyor belts made before 2010 wouldn’t need brakes on all wheels.
7. Small Fuel Tanks: Small fuel tanks used for other equipment on a trailer (not for the truck engine) would be allowed to use gravity-fed systems, as long as the truck isn’t in motion.
8. What “Medical Treatment” Means: Getting an X-ray or CT scan after a crash would no longer count as “medical treatment.” Such procedures are used to diagnose whether an injury has occurred.
9. License Plate Lights: Trucks pulling trailers would not need lights on the rear license plate if it’s not visible anyway.
10. Tire Markings: Tires don’t need to have load limit markings printed on the side to meet FMCSA rules.
What are the most common FMCSA violations linked to truck wrecks?
Even before any rule changes take effect, certain FMCSA violations routinely contribute to truck crashes in Alabama and nationwide. These issues often reflect larger safety failures inside the trucking company itself. According to FMCSA inspection data, the top violations in recent years include:
- Hours-of-Service (HOS) violations – Driving too long without rest breaks can lead to driver fatigue, a significant risk of major crashes. In 2021, HOS recordkeeping violations were among the most common FMCSA citations.
- Vehicle maintenance failures – Brake issues, faulty lighting, or worn tires are frequently cited during roadside inspections. Inoperable lamps and out-of-adjustment brakes ranked among the top vehicle-related violations.
- Unqualified drivers – Operating a truck without a valid commercial license or proper endorsements is a leading cause of catastrophic errors on the road.
- Unsecured or overloaded cargo – Shifting loads can cause rollovers or spills onto the highway, creating dangers for surrounding vehicles.
- Distracted or impaired driving – FMCSA prohibits the use of hand-held devices and mandates drug and alcohol testing, yet violations still persist.
How would these changes affect crash victims in Alabama?
Hundreds of truck crashes occur annually in Alabama, particularly along major trucking corridors such as I-10 and I-65 in Mobile. Alabama has averaged over 10,000 commercial truck crashes per year in recent years, including 10,486 in 2022 alone, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation.
Many of these truck crashes resulted in thousands of serious injuries and hundreds of fatalities. In 2022, for example, 7,322 truck accidents in Alabama resulted in 1,982 injuries and 116 fatalities. Worst of all, many of these accidents could have been prevented since truck driver error or trucking company negligence was often to blame. If FMCSA’s proposed changes reduce transparency or delay investigations, it could create new hurdles for families trying to recover compensation after a devastating truck crash.
Talk to a Mobile, AL truck accident lawyer who knows how to build strong cases
At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how federal regulations can shape truck accident investigations. Our team knows what evidence to look for, how to secure it, and how to hold trucking companies and others accountable for their actions. We understand how Alabama and federal trucking laws intersect, and we don’t back down from complex cases involving tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, or other commercial vehicles.
Our case results speak for themselves, including a $6.75 million settlement for a case involving a serious truck accident. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash involving a large truck, contact our Mobile office today for a free consultation. Don't Hesitate...Call Dean Waite!
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