Trucking Regulations in Georgia

Alcohol, Drug, Inspection, and Logbook Regulations for Truck Drivers

Hours of service and texting are not the only state and federal regulations truck drivers must abide by while driving. They also must follow strict guidelines for alcohol and drug use, inspections, and logbooks. Understanding these guidelines can help you determine if you might have a right to file a claim after a truck accident. 

Alcohol and Drug Regulations 

Just as motor vehicle drivers have regulations governing the use of alcohol and drugs before and while driving, so do truck drivers. The following are regulations for truck drivers in Atlanta: 

• All truck drivers may receive testing for drug and alcohol use before, after and during his or her time driving a truck;
• If a truck company supervisor suspects a truck driver of alcohol or drug use while driving a tractor-trailer, he or she must order an alcohol and drug test;
• A truck driver cannot drink alcohol while driving;
• A truck driver cannot have a blood alcohol level equal to or more than .04 while driving a truck; and
• If a truck driver uses alcohol, he must not drive a truck within 4 hours of his last drink. 

If your loved one died in a truck accident, the truck driver should have had a drug test that tests for: 

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Opiates
• PCP

If the truck driver did not receive a test for these drugs or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident, you may be able to file a truck accident claim. 

Inspection Regulations 

Every truck must undergo testing and maintenance. Failure to do so could result in the truck malfunctioning on the road, which could lead to a serious accident. Some of the testing required daily is the proper functioning of: 

• Brakes
• Tires
• Steering
• Signals

If you’ve been involved in an accident, our truck accident lawyers may look at the truck's logbooks to ensure these tests were performed the day of the wreck. Failure to perform these tests could result in an accident claim against the truck company or truck driver. 

Logbook Regulations 

Every truck driver and company must keep a logbook that records the measures taken to follow state and federal regulations. The logbook should include information on: 

• The results of alcohol and drug tests
• Truck inspections
• Hours of service
• Safety reports

Failure to keep a detailed logbook could result in legal consequences for a truck driver or truck company. 

If you’ve been a victim of a truck accident, contact a truck accident lawyer at the Shane Smith Law. With many years of experience with Georgia truck accident claims, they know how to get the justice you deserve after an accident. 

Call (980) 246-2656 now to schedule a consultation.