Trucking Laws You Need to Know in Illinois

Trucking laws help to create safer roads. As e-commerce grows and more people are working, demanding faster shipping, there are more trucks on the road. That increases risks to every other driver. If you have been the victim of a truck accident, know that our legal team is here to help you.

The key to knowing when to call an attorney, though, is knowing what your rights are. That means understanding trucking laws in the state of Illinois. Here are some of the most important rules of the road for trucking companies.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations

The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act established the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is tasked with managing risk to the community by enforcing laws specifically on truck companies and drivers. Some of the most important include:

Regulations for Weight and Size

Commercial large and heavy trucks and buses must fall under specific weight limits when loaded. This means that if very large items are being moved, special permission needs to be obtained, and steps must be taken to minimize risk to other drivers.

Electronic Logging Devices

Trucking companies were required to move to electronic logging devices in 2019. This was a way for truck drivers to electronically monitor how much they were working.

Hours of Service

There are limits on the number of hours that a driver can work under this law, including:

• Up to 11 hours of driving with 10 consecutive hours off prior to that shift OR
• Up to 10 hours of driving with 8 consecutive hours off prior to that shift
•  Drivers can operate a vehicle between 60 to 70 hours per week, 7 or 8 days in a row.
• They must have at least 34 hours off consecutively before they can start a new work week.

Additionally, federal laws are in place to minimize risks related to:

• Safety through required inspection of vehicles before every route
• Insurance coverage in place to minimize risks to others
• Hazard materials limitations and warnings
• Drug and alcohol testing as a component of pre-employment and post-accident (as well as random testing)

State of Illinois Truck Driving Laws

In the state of Illinois, drivers must obtain a state-issued Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate big trucks. This is a type of endorsement, often for a specific type of large vehicle for drivers to operate.

Additionally, the state requires all truck drivers to maintain proper vehicle registration to operate in the state. This registration helps to minimize the risk of a driver causing an accident and fleeing.

What to Do After a Truck Driving Accident

If you have been in an accident with a truck driver, the driver, trucking company, and vehicle manufacturer could be to blame for the losses you have incurred. Let our truck accident attorneys fight for you.

Call Holley Rosen & Beard now to learn more about the legal options available to you. We have helped our clients win over $10 million since 2020. Set up a free consultation now.