DOT Compliance

Purpose & Scope: Establishes maximum driving and on-duty limits for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to reduce fatigue-related crashes and ensure road safety.

Key Provisions:

Maximum Driving Time: Property-carrying drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty; passenger-carrying drivers may drive up to 10 hours after 8 hours off duty.

14-Hour Rule: Property-carrying drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty.

Rest Breaks: Requires a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.

Sleeper Berth Provisions: Allows split rest periods in the sleeper berth if certain conditions are met (e.g., 8/2 or 7/3 splits).

60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers may not exceed 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days unless they take a 34-hour restart.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Mandates the use of certified ELDs to automatically record driving time and reduce log falsification.

Compliance Importance: Violations can result in fines, out-of-service orders, and negative safety ratings. Carriers must monitor and enforce compliance through accurate recordkeeping and ELD use.

Purpose & Scope: Establishes the general applicability, definitions, and responsibilities under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for motor carriers, drivers, and commercial vehicles engaged in interstate commerce.

Key Provisions:

Applicability: Applies to all for-hire and private motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate transportation of property or passengers, unless specifically exempt.

Knowledge of Regulations: Requires drivers and carriers to be familiar with and comply with all applicable FMCSR provisions.

Enforcement Responsibility: Carriers must ensure that their drivers comply with regulations and may not aid or abet violations.

Accident Register: Requires carriers to maintain a 3-year record of DOT-reportable crashes, including details such as date, location, injuries, fatalities, and hazardous materials release.

Investigation Cooperation: Mandates carrier and driver cooperation during official inspections and investigations.

Compliance Importance: Serves as the foundation for all other FMCSRs, making adherence essential for avoiding fines, out-of-service orders, and safety rating impacts.

Purpose & Scope: Defines the minimum qualifications, documentation, and ongoing requirements drivers must meet to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.

Key Provisions:

Driver Qualification Files (DQF): Carriers must maintain a complete DQF for each driver, including employment history, MVRs, medical certificates, and safety performance history.

Medical Certification: Drivers must pass a DOT physical and maintain a valid medical certificate on file.

Driving Record Review: Carriers must obtain and review each driver’s MVR annually.

Experience & Training: Drivers must demonstrate the ability to safely operate the type of CMV assigned.

Disqualifications: Specifies offenses and conditions that disqualify a driver from operating a CMV.

Compliance Importance: Proper DQF maintenance is a frequent focus of DOT audits, and missing or outdated records can result in violations and fines.

Purpose & Scope: Establishes requirements for drug and alcohol testing programs to ensure drivers are free from substance use that could impair safe operation.

Key Provisions:

Testing Types: Includes pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.

Random Testing Rates: FMCSA sets annual minimum testing rates for controlled substances and alcohol.

Consortium/Third Party Administrators: Allows carriers to join a consortium for managing selections and records.

Prohibited Conduct: Details substances and alcohol limits for CMV operation.

Recordkeeping: Specifies retention times for test results, records, and program administration.

Compliance Importance: A failed or refused test can disqualify a driver, and improper testing program management can lead to severe penalties.

Purpose & Scope: Sets the requirements for maintaining commercial motor vehicles in safe operating condition and documenting all inspections and repairs.

Key Provisions:

Systematic Inspection Program: Carriers must have a regular maintenance schedule for all vehicles under their control.

Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs): Requires drivers to submit post-trip inspection reports and carriers to address any defects.

Annual Inspections: Each CMV must undergo a thorough inspection at least once every 12 months by a qualified inspector.

Repair Documentation: All repairs must be recorded and retained for required periods.

Out-of-Service Criteria: Defines conditions under which a vehicle cannot be operated until repaired.

Compliance Importance: Maintenance records are a key factor in DOT audits, and failure to comply can result in fines, out-of-service vehicles, and increased CSA scores.